AWS Shield vs Mimecast: What are the differences?

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1. Coverage and Focus: AWS Shield is a managed Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection service that safeguards applications running on AWS while Mimecast offers email and data security services. AWS Shield focuses on protecting applications from DDoS attacks, while Mimecast provides protection for email communications and data storage. The focus of these services determines the type of threats they are designed to mitigate.

2. Deployment Method: AWS Shield is built into the AWS services, making it easy to enable and configure for applications running on the platform. Mimecast, on the other hand, requires separate deployment and integration with email servers and data storage systems. This difference in deployment method affects the ease of implementation and management of the security services.

3. Cost Structure: AWS Shield follows a pay-as-you-go pricing model based on the resources used for protection, offering flexibility for users. Mimecast typically operates on a subscription-based pricing model, with different tiers of service available at fixed costs. The cost structure of these services can impact the overall affordability and scalability for businesses.

4. Scalability and Performance: AWS Shield is designed to automatically scale with AWS applications, providing protection against evolving threats without affecting performance. Mimecast may require additional configuration or upgrades to handle increasing volumes of email traffic or data storage. The difference in scalability and performance capabilities can influence the overall security posture of an organization.

5. Integration with Other Services: AWS Shield integrates seamlessly with other AWS security services, allowing for a comprehensive security solution within the AWS environment. Mimecast also offers integrations with various third-party platforms and applications to enhance overall security, but the level of integration may vary. The degree to which these services can be integrated with existing systems impacts the overall security strategy and efficiency of operations.

6. Support and Service Level Agreements: AWS provides support for AWS Shield as part of its overall AWS support plans, offering different levels of service agreements based on the tier of support. Mimecast offers dedicated support for its email and data security services, with specific Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for response times and issue resolution. The support and SLAs provided by these services can influence the overall reliability and responsiveness of the security measures.

In Summary, AWS Shield focuses on DDoS protection for AWS applications with easy integration, scalability, and performance, while Mimecast offers email and data security with separate deployment, subscription-based pricing, and dedicated support services.