Microsoft 365.Good start.Not enough.
Exchange Online Protection (EOP) offers basic protection. Conbool MailGuard adds multi-layered detection, time-of-click protection, and GDPR-compliant processing in Germany.
Enhance Microsoft 365 Email Security with Conbool MailGuard
Exchange Online Protection (EOP) is included in Microsoft 365, but for targeted attacks, phishing, and social engineering, the built-in protection often isn't enough. Conbool MailGuard is an upstream email security gateway that reliably secures your M365 environment.
Where Microsoft 365 leaves gaps
Basic spam detection
EOP mainly uses signature-based detection. New spam variants and zero-day attacks are often detected only hours later.
No time-of-click protection
EOP only checks links at delivery. Links that become malicious later (delayed phishing) go undetected. Safe Links is only in higher licenses.
Limited quarantine
Quarantine management in M365 is cluttered and offers no self-service digest for end users.
Data processing outside Germany
Microsoft processes email data in global data centers. For companies with strict data protection requirements, this is a risk.
How MailGuard protects your M365 environment
MailGuard sits as a gateway in front of Exchange Online and filters emails before they reach Microsoft.
Redirect MX record
Route incoming emails through Conbool. One DNS entry, no changes to your M365 configuration.
MailGuard filters
Spam, phishing, malware, and forged senders are blocked. Clean emails are forwarded to Exchange Online.
M365 only receives clean emails
EOP only processes pre-screened emails. This relieves your M365 environment and reduces false positives.
EOP vs. Conbool MailGuard
A direct comparison shows where built-in protection ends and MailGuard begins.
| Feature | EOP (M365 Standard) | Conbool MailGuard |
|---|---|---|
| Spam detection | Signature-based | Multi-layer (Bayes + ML + RBL) |
| Phishing protection | Basic (Anti-phishing policy) | Impersonation + URL Rewriting + Header analysis |
| Link protection | Safe Links (E5/Add-on only) | Time-of-click for all licenses |
| Quarantine | Admin-centric | Self-service + daily digest |
| DMARC reporting | Manual (DNS) | Automatic + Dashboard |
| Data processing | Global (Microsoft Cloud) | Germany (GDPR) |
What MailGuard brings to M365
Everything EOP lacks, in a single platform.
Time-of-Click Link Protection
Every link is checked in real time when clicked. Even delayed phishing is reliably detected. For all licenses, not just E5.
Impersonation Detection
Detection of display name spoofing, cousin domains, and social engineering patterns. Protection against targeted attacks on your employees.
Quarantine Digest
Users receive a daily overview of blocked emails and can release with one click. Less admin effort, more transparency.
DMARC Dashboard
See at a glance who sends emails on your behalf. Automatic SPF, DKIM, and DMARC enforcement included.
Advanced Attachment Protection
Attachments undergo multi-engine scanning and CDR sanitization before reaching Exchange Online. Complements the basic protection of Safe Attachments in M365.
Compliance & Audit
Exportable reports, delivery logs, and quarantine logs. Verifiably compliant with GDPR and NIS2.
FAQ
Do I need Microsoft Defender for Office 365 if I use MailGuard?
How does integration with Microsoft 365 work?
What happens to Safe Links and Safe Attachments in M365?
Will my M365 mail flow be affected?
Is MailGuard suitable for Microsoft 365 Business Basic?
Where is my email data processed?
Secure M365 properly. Starting today.
Try Conbool MailGuard as a complement to Microsoft 365. 30 days free, full protection.