In 2018, there were over 350,000 new viruses created, and most companies struggle to keep up with the high level of threats that can compromise their email.
On a corporate space, no other communication system is more used than email, making this a preferred vector for cyber attacks - and that is why email security is a big issue for companies and protecting hard-earned assets should be at the top of their priorities. Threats to email security can come from multiple sources. It is essential to understand them and realize what sort of danger they pose to your business.
In 2017 over 76% of organizations experienced phishing attacks, with a growing number of variations and different threats. And the users’ awareness of these threats is still quite low, creating a higher risk for organizations.
1. Phishing
Email phishing is a security attack used by cybercriminals who use it in an attempt to steal sensitive business information. This type of data includes usernames and passwords of CEOs, CFOs and other senior management, details about financial accounts or valuable information which can be sold to competitors.
Phishing emails are often masked by official emblems of the company and usually target vulnerable accounts and lower-level employees. In most cases, these malicious emails contain links to sites that dispense malware. The best protection against such an attack is a surveillance network that monitors communication in and out of the company.
2. Spoofing
A spoofing email is a strategy used during spam and phishing attacks. By falsifying the header of an email to make it seem like its coming from inside the company, an attempt is made to confuse employees to provide sensitive information or in some cases even bank transfers.
While due diligence is the best method of dealing with spoofing attacks, companies should also look to software which improves email security for enterprises.
3. Malware
Malware, or malicious software, is a virus which contains coding programmed to attack and harm data, tech equipment or entire systems. Trojans, viruses, spyware, worms, adware, botnets and ransomware are all types of malware, but so far, the list includes 796 million registered malware programs.
In most cases, malware is via email during phishing and spam attacks. During an attack, multiple emails with a virus are sent across an enterprise. After being opened, malware infects the system and cause damage to it.
Teaching company employees is the first line of malware defense. If someone receives an email from an unknown source and with a large attachment, it is best they delete the mail immediately.
4. Ransomware
Ransomware is a specific type of malware which attacks the entire computer system and blocks access to users until the financial demand (ransom) is paid to the perpetrator. Threats to email security like this usually happen during other large-scale attacks when multiple users are targeted inside the company.
To preventing ransomware from harming your business system, a company’s CTO will need to take several steps:
- Regularly patch and update operating systems;
- Periodically backup files and other data;
- Install software which limits administrative privileges to all users;
- Install and periodically upgrade firewalls and antivirus software;
- Integrate advanced email security for enterprise
5. Directory Harvest Attacks
A directory harvest attack (DHA) is an email threat carried out by spammers which has a goal of accessing the email database attached to a company domain. Although simple tactics like a dictionary attack are used, DHAs target both personal and commercial information, inflicting massive damage across a large enterprise.
Using a Mail Protection Service (MPS) protects email accounts from any DHA attempts. By integrating the DHA feature onto the security server, technical staff will receive notification if someone is attempting to breach email security.
© AnubisNetworks 2023 • 