Cybersecurity is a full-time job and with the average cost of a data breach in the US reaching $9.44m, it’s one that businesses can’t afford to ignore. Keeping networks, data and end users safe feels overwhelming for many.
Despite high levels of security measures at an operational level, organizations remain vulnerable. Server and network security can only do so much if end users are unaccounted for. The unfortunate reality is that each end-user account is a potential security weak point.
Email Security Risks
The adoption of software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions has driven a lot of business processes and communications to email alternatives. Of course, these platforms come with their own inherent risks, drawing the attention of security professionals for proactive solutions. API and network security should not detract from email security to plug security holes.
Email is still alive and well, and of course, it takes only one successful attempt to wreak havoc. Security professionals and end users should be aware of a few common email security risks.
Spam
Mistakenly viewed as harmless digital junk mail, spam messages are sent in bulk to unknown end users. Spam messages tend to take the form of commercial offers, coupons or solicitations. While many spam emails simply clog inboxes, some can put your company at risk, particularly if recipients respond to the message or click links they’ve been sent.
Phishing
Similar to spam, phishing emails are also sent from criminal sources. The difference, though, is in the effort. Phishing emails tend to come from sources that seem legitimate, tricking unassuming recipients into believing the message is important or true. These emails aim to lure recipients into providing sensitive information, either by providing it deliberately or by clicking links and keying it in.
Malware/Spyware
Emails containing links or attachments may put organizations at risk of malware or spyware. Malware enables criminals to take control of workstations or servers and exploit this access to change user privileges, monitor user activity, gain access to sensitive information or even perform actions for the criminal’s benefit. Malware arrives via email attachments, file-sharing software and download links.
Business Email Compromise
Specifically designed with the business world in mind, business email compromise (BEC) has grown in popularity in recent years. These emails arrive disguised as an important message from a prominent figure in the organization, such as a C-level or upper-management employee. The intent is to trick the recipient into performing a task – most often, facilitating a financial transaction – with an urgent request or ‘approval’ from a known member of the organization.
Modern Protection Measures
Rather than causing fear or concern, understanding the threat landscape aids organizations and security professionals in taking a proactive approach to protection. Cybersecurity roles are on the rise, with businesses understanding the need for a dedicated team to stay ahead of the curve. But it takes more than SecOps to be truly safe. Effective security is an ongoing effort, and there are a few key measures to creating a solid security foundation.
- Maintain Security Policies: Your IT or IT security department should take a few simple but crucial steps to build an email security protocol. Restrict user privileges and admin rights to only those who need them, install an email security application and maintain a firewall.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Rather than depending on end user passwords, implement multi-factor authentication for an additional security layer. Two-factor authentication (2FA) ensures your end user is protected even in the event of a compromised password. Options include codes sent via SMS, alternative email address, voice calls or hardware token devices.
- Enforce Unique Passwords: Given the chance, end users will choose a simple email password that is easy to remember. No one can blame them, of course, but this is music to criminals’ ears. It’s up to your organization to not only enforce strong or unique passwords but to regularly request regular password updates by employees.
- Encrypt Emails: Even if end users take the right precautions, your data is still at risk in transmission from one address to another. Encryption is crucial for modern businesses to secure information while in transit and will prevent attackers from accessing private information.
- Prioritize Training and Communication: Staying safe means confidently depending on end users to make the right decisions. When email risks arrive, your end users need to recognize them and avoid falling for tricks or traps. Training and ongoing communication about threats are vital.
Robust Protection: A Risk-Aware Culture and Policy Enforcement
Email security is crucial for modern organizations, and a robust security plan requires proactive measures. They say it takes a village to raise a child and similarly, it takes an entire organization to keep data where it belongs.
A risk-aware culture doesn’t wait for an incident to discuss security. Instead, security threats and measures are a part of day-to-day conversations, helping end users to understand what risks they may face, what actions to take and whom to contact should things go wrong.
Employee awareness is a great start at giving you security peace of mind. To truly ensure robust protection, you need to leverage an enterprise-class email security solution to plug security holes.