Malware Infections Malware like viruses. spyware. or ransomware usually spreads via infected email attachments and links. Once inside your network. it can infiltrate databases. corrupt files. and install backdoors for ongoing access. Malware often evades traditional email defenses via tactics like macro infections in Office documents. The FBI estimates ransomware attacks alone cost businesses over $ million in losses each year. Account Takeovers Tactics like credential stuffing utilize stolen usernames and passwords to gain access to accounts. Akamai observed over billion credential-stuffing attacks in . highlighting this fast-growing threat. Takeovers of email accounts also enable takeovers of associated financial. social media. and cloud service accounts.
The resulting damage can range from data theft to fraud. Insecure Data Handling Failure to appropriately secure customer data can lead to breaches violating privacy regulations like GDPR or eroding customer trust. Surveys indicate less than of businesses are fully compliant with GDPR requirements currently. Insecure data handling enables lapses like accidental belgium phone number list emailing of unencrypted customer data to unauthorized third parties. Business Email Compromise BEC scams employ psychological manipulation. impersonation and human vulnerabilities rather than technical flaws. In identifying scam responses. the FBI reveals these scams have cumulatively stolen over $ billion since Tactics include spoofing executive emails or compromising vendor accounts to initiate unauthorized wire transfers.
Just one exploited employee can become an entry point into an organization's network. Implementing Core Email Security Best Practices Email Security Best Practices A layered defense model is key. incorporating measures like Secure Transmission Leading email providers offer TLS/SSL encryption to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks during transit. Using a secure VPN connection provides added protection when accessing email remotely. Authentication & Identity - SPF. DKIM. and DMARC authentication validate senders by verifying domain ownership and routing. This prevents spammers from spoofing your domain and improves deliverability. Strong Passwords - Require complex passwords. multi factor authentication. and frequent changes to protect accounts.