Barracuda vs Proofpoint (vs CyberSentriq)

Choosing between Barracuda and Proofpoint for your email security needs often comes down to these five critical questions that most comparison articles ignore:

• Do you need a comprehensive security suite that covers everything, or best-in-class email protection that integrates with your existing stack?
• Is your organization an enterprise with dedicated security teams, or an SMB that needs simplicity without sacrificing protection?
• Are you looking for a vendor that sells direct with limited support, or one that works through partners with dedicated account management?
• Would you rather pay for bundled capabilities you might not use, or get a flexible integrated platform tailored to your actual needs?
• Do you want AI-powered threat detection as an expensive add-on, or built into the core platform from day one?

In short, here's what we recommend:

Barracuda Networks delivers a comprehensive security platform that goes well beyond email, offering firewall, web application security, backup, and more in an integrated suite. While marketed as easy to use with pricing starting around $5/user/month, many customers report large renewal cost increases and frustration with their EOL strategy that forces migration to bundles containing features they don't need. The breadth might seem impressive, but individual components often lack the depth and sophistication of specialized solutions, and support quality has declined.

Proofpoint remains the gold standard for enterprise email security, with its people-centric approach and industry-leading Targeted Attack Protection (TAP). Their threat intelligence network analyzes billions of data points daily, providing unmatched visibility into who's being targeted and how. While pricing ranges from $2-7/user/month for Essentials, the platform's enterprise focus means non-large clients often experience non-existent support as they're pushed through partners with no direct vendor relationship. The complexity requires dedicated security expertise to fully leverage.

Both platforms are powerful but come with significant trade-offs. What if you could get comprehensive integrated protection specifically designed for MSPs and their clients, where someone actually picks up the phone when you call?

CyberSentriq emerged in 2025 from the merger of TitanHQ and Redstor, combining nearly 30 years of email security expertise with advanced data protection capabilities. Built on an MSP First model, it offers the CyberSentriq 360 E-Mail Security bundle, combining SpamTitan (SEG at MX), PhishTitan (ICES for M365), and Security Awareness Training in one unified platform. With deployment in under 30 minutes and bundles starting at $3.74/user/month when paid annually, CyberSentriQ makes it really easy for MSPs compared to competitors. Their 3,000+ MSP partners benefit from one contract, one support path, one roadmap, and one dedicated Account Manager—plus the flexibility and personal touch that larger vendors can't match.

If you're an MSP or SMB looking for defense-in-depth protection with a vendor that's actually easy to work with, see how CyberSentriq can transform your security posture.

Table of contents:

• Barracuda vs Proofpoint vs CyberSentriq at a glance
• The fundamental divide: Suite vs specialized vs MSP-First
• Email threat protection capabilities reveal true priorities
• Advanced threat detection and sandboxing
• The MSP factor changes everything
• Pricing models expose different philosophies
• Deployment and management complexity
• Support quality reflects target markets
• Barracuda vs Proofpoint vs CyberSentriq: Which should you choose?

Barracuda vs Proofpoint vs CyberSentriq at a glance

Let's cut through the marketing and look at what each platform actually delivers:

The fundamental divide: Suite vs specialized vs MSP-First

The philosophical differences between these platforms run deeper than features and pricing.

Barracuda Networks has built its reputation on being the security department store. 

Need email protection? Check. Web application firewall? Got it. Backup? Of course. CloudGen firewall? Absolutely. This breadth might initially appeal to organizations, but customers increasingly report frustration with their EOL strategy that forces migration to three main bundles, where they pay for features they don't want or might never use.

The reality Barracuda doesn't advertise: jack of all trades, master of none. 

Their email security functions require heavier setup and management compared to modern alternatives. The firewall works, but it isn't Palo Alto. The backup exists but lacks critical capabilities like Entra ID Backup. Combined with considerable renewal cost increases year-over-year and declining support quality, many MSPs find themselves looking for alternatives.

Proofpoint took the specialist path, focusing intensely on email security for large enterprises. 

Their Targeted Attack Protection (TAP) has become an industry benchmark, with the Nexus Threat Graph analyzing billions of emails, URLs, and attachments daily to identify not just threats but who in your organization is being targeted.

The sophistication comes at multiple costs. 

Beyond the price, Proofpoint requires expertise to deploy properly. The platform is enterprise-focused with pricing and complexity to match. For non-large clients, support is essentially non-existent, as they push you through partners with no direct vendor relationship. 

Even their Proofpoint Essentials for smaller organizations maintains much of this enterprise complexity, requiring heavier setup and management that many SMBs and MSPs struggle with.

CyberSentriq represents a completely different approach: MSP First from the ground up. 

Born from the merger of TitanHQ and Redstor, they've created the integrated cybersecurity and data protection platform that empowers MSPs to deliver AI threat defense, advanced email security, and resilient data protection to SMBs worldwide.

Everything about CyberSentriq makes it really easy for MSPs. The platform offers defense-in-depth security covering multiple attack layers, with SEG blocking email threats at MX, ICES protecting inside M365, and Security Awareness Training building the human firewall. 

Unlike competitors forcing you into rigid bundles, CyberSentriq offers exceptional flexibility in products and support, with someone actually picking up the phone when you call, a personal touch you won't get with larger vendors.

Email threat protection capabilities reveal true priorities

Leading platforms achieve impressive threat detection rates, though the implementation and ease of management vary dramatically.

Barracuda's email protection uses dual antivirus engines (Avira and ClamAV) with sandboxing capabilities. 

While functional with catch rates around 99.2%, it requires a heavier setup and management compared to modern alternatives. Many customers also report that awareness training comes as an expensive add-on or upsell, increasing the total cost of ownership.

The integration with their broader platform exists but comes with trade-offs. You're paying for everything in their bundles, even if you only need email security, and the packaging has become more complex for MSPs trying to deliver tailored solutions to their clients.

Proofpoint's obsessive thoroughness shows in its multi-layered analysis approach.

Every email runs through static and dynamic analysis, sandboxing, and machine learning models. Their URL Defense analyzes redirect chains while Attachment Defense detonates files in sandbox environments. Proofpoint reports 99.99% efficacy rates with full TAP enabled.

The sophistication is undeniable, but so is the complexity. Like Barracuda, Proofpoint charges add-ons and upsells for awareness training. The enterprise focus means complicated product configuration that's overkill for most SMBs, with support that's practically non-existent for smaller customers.

CyberSentriq delivers enterprise-grade protection without enterprise-grade complexity. 

Independent Virus Bulletin tests verify 99.99% catch rates for the MX email security component. But it's the comprehensive approach that sets them apart:

• SEG provides MX-based security with advanced AV, sandboxing, and 400+ spam rulesets for precision scoring
• ICES detects BEC, C-Level impersonation, and social engineering, monitoring internal mail not visible at the gateway
• Time-of-click protection (Link Lock) provides real-time URL defense
• Security Awareness Training with auto-generated phishing simulations and reactive training—included, not an expensive add-on

The platform offers clear mail history reporting across multiple M365 tenants, admin and end-user quarantine views with self-service controls, and comprehensive threat analytics. At $3.74/user/month for the Secure Bundle when paid annually, you get all three layers of protection in one MSP-friendly package.

Advanced threat detection and sandboxing

Sandboxing has become table stakes, but implementation quality and additional capabilities matter.

Barracuda's Advanced Threat Protection uses cloud sandbox technology to detonate suspicious attachments. 

While functional, staying ahead of evasion techniques remains challenging, and the heavier management requirements mean many organizations don't optimize their configuration.

Proofpoint's multi-level sandboxing with "three to five levels" provides comprehensive analysis. 

Their Threat Response Auto-Pull (TRAP) automatically removes identified threats from every inbox. Powerful, but requiring expertise to manage effectively.

CyberSentriq goes beyond standard sandboxing with unique capabilities:

• Email sandboxing through TitanHQ with Bitdefender technology
• AI-powered malware detection in backups through Redstor, scanning for dormant malware to ensure clean recoveries
• Entra ID Backup capability, a critical differentiator that Veeam and many competitors lack
• Rapid post-delivery remediation across all mailboxes
• Automated response without manual hunting

This defense-in-depth approach means threats are caught at multiple layers, from the gateway to the inbox to your backup infrastructure, all managed through one platform with one support path.

The MSP factor changes everything.

How these platforms approach the MSP market reveals everything about their priorities.

Barracuda offers MSP programs through the SecureEdge MSP platform, but their packaging has become more complex for MSPs. 

The EOL strategy forcing customers into rigid bundles makes it harder for MSPs to deliver tailored solutions. Combined with large renewal cost increases and declining support quality, many MSPs report growing frustration.

Proofpoint's MSP approach through Proofpoint Essentials provides multi-tenant management and monthly billing. 

However, the enterprise DNA shows through, as even Essentials requires more security expertise than typical MSP staff possess. For non-large clients, you're pushed through partners with minimal direct vendor support, creating challenges when issues arise.

CyberSentriq is fundamentally different, built on an MSP First model from day one:

• One contract, one support path, one roadmap, one Account Manager: no juggling multiple relationships
• True multi-tenancy designed for managing hundreds of clients from a single dashboard
• White-label capabilities let MSPs position their brand front and center
• Deployment in under 30 minutes: SEG in 3 simple steps, ICES and SAT in minutes
• Tiered pricing models (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Top Tier) that enable MSPs to increase margins as they grow
• Dedicated Account Manager for strategy, pricing, and commercial conversations
• Sales Engineering Support with co-selling and enablement

The platform serves over 3,000 MSP partners globally, protecting approximately 150,000 SMBs. The entire business is built around making it really easy for MSPs to succeed.

Pricing models expose different philosophies.

The way these companies price reveals who they truly serve.

Barracuda's pricing starts around $5/user/month but comes with significant caveats. 

Customers report large year-over-year price increases and high export fees that make it expensive to leave. Their bundles can reach $7-8/user/month, forcing you to pay for features you might not need. The value proposition of consolidation is undermined by inflexibility and rising costs.

Proofpoint's Essentials ranges from $2-7/user/month, seemingly competitive but with hidden complexities. 

Enterprise-focused pricing means add-ons for awareness training and other critical features. The complicated product configuration and minimal support for smaller customers reduce the apparent value, especially for MSPs trying to scale.

CyberSentriq offers transparent, MSP-friendly pricing:

• Secure Bundle at $3.74/user/month when paid annually, including email perimeter and mailbox protection simultaneously. Our seamless M365 integration delivers 360-degree email protection, ensuring proactive defense against phishing, malware, and evolving threats. Safeguard your inbox against internal and external threats before, during, and after an attack.
• Highly customizable bundles: modify by adding components based on specific needs
• Flexible pricing based on purchase volumes
• Tiered models that reward growth with better margins
• No surprise increases or complex export fees
• Everything included: no expensive add-ons for awareness training

Individual components like MX Email Security at $1.95/user/month and DNS Filtering at $2.25/user/month are also available. Still, the real value comes from integrated bundles designed for MSPs to deliver comprehensive protection profitably.

Deployment and management complexity

Speed to protection matters, but so does ongoing management efficiency.

Barracuda promises quick deployment, but reality differs. 

Beyond the standard 24-48 hours for DNS propagation, the platform requires heavier setup and management. Getting properly configured means understanding various engines, tuning sensitivity levels, and managing complex bundles. Many organizations struggle to use more than basic features.

Proofpoint's deployment varies by tier, with even Essentials requiring significant configuration time. 

The enterprise focus means a complicated setup that often requires professional services. Ongoing management is demanding, as policies need constant adjustment, and the dashboard requires dedicated monitoring by someone who understands its complexity.

CyberSentriq delivers on the promise of rapid deployment

• Under 30 minutes for full platform deployment
• SEG deployment in 3 simple steps
• ICES and SAT in minutes
• SEG email security is operational in minutes after MX updates
• DNS Filtering is up and running in about 5 minutes 

More importantly, default configurations work effectively out of the box. 

The clean, simple UX means low management overhead. MSPs can onboard new clients rapidly and manage hundreds through a single interface. Features like guided training, Outlook Add-In integration, and comprehensive reporting prove value at QBRs without consuming technical time.

Support quality reflects target markets.

When something goes wrong, who actually helps you?

Barracuda provides tiered support with G2 reviews averaging 4.4/5 stars, but customers increasingly report declining quality. 

The EOL transitions create support challenges. Complex multi-product issues require coordination across teams. Combined with large renewal increases, many feel trapped with deteriorating service.

Proofpoint's tiered support model means quality varies dramatically. 

Lower-tier customers report minimal assistance. For non-large clients, support is often nonexistent; you're pushed to partners with no direct vendor relationship. When you need help most, you might find nobody home.

CyberSentriq delivers the personal touch that larger vendors can't match:

• 24/7 phone support where somebody actually picks up the phone
• One-hour typical response times 
• 9.2/10 support quality from legacy customers on G2
• Dedicated Account Manager who knows your business
• Onboarding and migration assistance with Sales Engineering Support
• Quarterly account reviews with data-driven insights

This isn't just about fixing problems; it's about being easy to work with. The support team understands they're helping MSPs support their clients. The exceptional flexibility in both products and support means solutions, not excuses.

Barracuda vs Proofpoint vs CyberSentriq: Which should you choose?

The choice depends on whether you want to struggle with complexity or succeed with simplicity.

Choose Barracuda if:

• You're comfortable with significant renewal cost increases
• You want to pay for bundled features you might not use
• You can accept declining support quality
• Your organization can handle a heavier setup and management
• You're okay with complex packaging that's difficult for MSPs
• You don't mind high export fees when you eventually need to leave

Consider Barracuda's forced bundle approach carefully.

Choose Proofpoint if:

• You're a large enterprise with dedicated security teams
• You can handle complicated product configuration
• You don't need direct vendor support (non-large clients)
• You're willing to pay extra for awareness training
• You have expertise in heavier setups and management
• Enterprise complexity doesn't concern you

Explore Proofpoint's enterprise-focused platform.

Choose CyberSentriq if:

• You want a vendor that makes it really easy for MSPs
• You value somebody actually picking up the phone when you call
• You need defense-in-depth protection without complexity
• You want deployment in under 30 minutes
• You prefer transparent, MSP-friendly pricing starting at $3.74/user/month
• You need Entra ID Backup and comprehensive data protection
• You want one contract, one support path, one roadmap, one Account Manager
• You value exceptional flexibility in products and support

See how CyberSentriq can transform your security posture.

The email security market has evolved beyond the old guard. Barracuda's forced bundles and declining service frustrate customers. Proofpoint's enterprise complexity overwhelms SMBs and MSPs.

CyberSentriq offers something genuinely different: enterprise-grade protection in an MSP First platform that's actually easy to work with. With proven 99.99% efficacy, comprehensive coverage from gateway to inbox to human layer, and the flexibility larger vendors can't match, it's purpose-built for MSPs and SMBs who want protection without the pain.

Sometimes the best choice isn't the biggest name. It's the vendor who answers the phone, knows your business, and makes security achievable, not just possible.

Explore CyberSentriq Bundles, Find the Best Fit for Your Business