Email is the prime attack vector for cyber criminals

Email security is crucial in today's digital landscape as it protects sensitive information from unauthorized access and prevents data breaches. With email being a primary communication tool for businesses, it is also a significant target for cyberattacks. Here are some key points highlighting the importance of strong email security, statistical examples of threats, and effective security measures:

Importance of Email Security

Email security is essential for safeguarding sensitive information such as personal data, financial records, and intellectual property. It helps prevent various cyber threats like phishing, malware, and spoofing attacks, which can lead to data breaches and financial losses. According to reports, 94% of malware is delivered via email, and 96% of phishing attacks originate from emails. Phishing attacks are particularly prevalent, with 84% of businesses reporting such incidents.

Email Threats and Breaches

• Phishing: A major threat where attackers deceive individuals into providing sensitive information. It accounts for a significant portion of cyberattacks, with 94% of organizations falling victim to phishing attacks.
• Malware: Malicious software delivered through email can compromise systems and steal data.
• Business Email Compromise (BEC): Involves impersonating a business executive to trick employees into transferring money or sensitive data.

Download Barracuda's email threat paper here: The 13 types of email threats

Security Measures To Consider

Email Filtering and Gateways

Effective email filtering through gateways can help detect and block malicious emails before they reach the inbox. This includes using anti-spam and anti-virus filters to identify suspicious content.

Authentication Protocols

• Sender Policy Framework (SPF): Lists authorized mail servers for a domain to prevent spoofing.
• DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM): Uses cryptographic signatures to verify the sender's identity.
• Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC): Works with SPF and DKIM to provide instructions on handling unauthenticated emails.
• Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI): Displays verified brand logos in emails to enhance trust.

Email Encryption

Email encryption is vital for protecting the confidentiality of email content. It ensures that only intended recipients can read the message by converting it into an unreadable format using cryptographic keys. There are two main types of encryption:Transport Layer Security (TLS): Encrypts emails during transmission between servers.

End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the email content.

Additional Measures

• Regularly updating security software and protocols to protect against evolving threats.
• Educating employees about recognizing phishing attempts and other cyber threats.
• Implementing multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.

In conclusion, robust email security measures are necessary to protect against the ever-increasing sophistication of cyber threats. Implementing comprehensive security protocols like SPF, DKIM, DMARC, BIMI, and encryption can significantly reduce the risk of email-based attacks and ensure secure communication within organizations.

To talk more about secure email, email encryption and secure file sharing just call 01462 416400 or email [email protected]