Email Security

The Importance of Email Security

81% Of malicious files were distributed by email, 1 in 239 email attachments are malicious, and 1 in 415 Links in emails are malicious. With many cyber attacks on companies beginning with a malicious email, relying on your built-in security could leave your company vulnerable to cyber criminals who are continually exploiting the number one attack vector: human nature and a lack of tight protection. Because practically every firm uses email, and the average employee, as we all know, receives a lot of emails – emails are an efficient initial infection vector. With over 90% of attacks starting in a malicious email, securing your business email become a necessity for every organization. 

Common Threats to Email Security

Some of the biggest threats to email security include:

Phishing

Phishing attacks are the most well-known and common threats to email security. Phishing attacks began with attacks like the Nigerian Prince scams, which were known for their poor grammar and unbelievable pretexts. Over time, these attacks have become more sophisticated with attackers sending much more polished emails with more plausible pretexts. The modern phishing attack can be general or targeted. These targeted attacks, also called spear phishing attacks, are highly researched and designed to trick a particular person or group. One example of a common spear phishing attack is business email compromise (BEC). In a BEC attack, the target is tricked into sending sensitive data or more commonly money to the attacker.

Malware

Email is an ideal delivery mechanism for malware. Malware can be attached directly to an email or embedded in documents that are shared as attachments or via cloud-based storage. And once installed on a computer, malware may steal sensitive information or encrypt a user’s files.

Data Loss

Email accounts have access to a great deal of sensitive information. In addition to the data sent directly over email, these accounts are also used to access cloud-based infrastructure and other online services. An attacker with access to these email accounts can gain access to all of this sensitive information, making email account credentials a common target of attack. Additionally, this information can be leaked unintentionally by employees who accidentally include an unauthorized party on an email chain or fall for a phishing attack.

Malicious Links

Malicious links are some of the most common ways that cybercriminals weaponize email. With a link embedded within an email, an attacker can direct the recipient to a webpage under the attacker’s control. These phishing pages can be used for a variety of different purposes. Phishing pages can be designed to steal user credentials or deliver malware. Regardless, these can cause serious damage to an organization. 

Secure your organization emails by reaching us on cs@rhinexa.com.