Interscale Content Hub – As we all know, email is the traditional method of spreading threats. Unfortunately, even though we know this is a common tactic, we are just as likely to fall victim to a phishing email attack ourselves.
That’s why we need to make sure we have solid email security in place.
These solutions keep your sensitive information safe, protect you from malicious attacks and make sure your business keeps running smoothly.
So, why aren’t we discussing these email security solutions?
Types of Email Security Threats
Phising
The biggest threat, as highlighted by Proofpoint in the “2024 State of the Phish,” is phishing.
The report also shows that 71% of working adults have taken risky actions, like clicking on links from unknown senders or reusing passwords, even though they know these can be dangerous.
These emails look like they’re from a legitimate source, so people who aren’t paying attention give away their personal information or click on links that are actually dangerous.
Business Email Compromise (BEC)
The FBI’s 2021 Internet Crime Report says the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) got 19,954 complaints about Business Email Compromise (BEC) and Email Account Compromise (EAC) in 2021, with losses of almost $2.4 billion.
BEC/EAC is a pretty sophisticated scam that targets businesses and individuals who are moving money around.
BEC attacks involve fraudsters impersonating trusted contacts to get employees to make financial transfers or share sensitive information.
These attacks are very targeted and can cause serious financial losses.
Proofpoint’s report shows that over a million BEC attacks are caught and stopped every month, which shows just how big this threat is.
Malware and Ransomware
Malware is another sneaky threat you can get through email attachments or links that seem harmless.
Malware, including ransomware, often spreads through malicious email attachments or links.
Fileless malware, which hijacks legitimate system processes, is becoming more common and harder to spot.
Once it’s out there, this nasty software can cause all kinds of problems. It can infect devices, steal valuable data, or disrupt critical operations.
The Proofpoint report shows that 69% of organisations were infected by ransomware, which goes to show how widespread this threat really is.
The Cisco “Email Security: A Buyer’s Guide,” highlights just how serious the issue is, with email being the main way cyberattacks are launched.
That’s why the Cisco guide says it’s important to use a multi-layered antivirus system to combat these evolving threats.
Spam
Then there’s the hassle of spam – all those unsolicited bulk emails clogging up our inboxes.
While a lot of people think of spam as just a nuisance, it can actually be used to distribute malware or promote scams.
The Cisco report also shows how spam is changing. Attackers are now using “snowshoe spam” tactics to avoid being caught by traditional filters.
For your convenience, please refer to “Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: Types, Steps, & Best Practices.”
Components of Email Security Solutions
A solid email security setup is like building a protective wall around your inbox.
It’s got multiple layers of defence working together to keep your sensitive info safe and help your business keep going.
Secure Email Gateways (SEGs)
SEGs are the first line of defence, filtering out harmful emails before they reach users’ inboxes.
They use different techniques, including signature-based detection, anomaly detection, and real-time threat intelligence.
Cisco’s approach includes advanced malware protection (AMP), which gives you deeper visibility and control.
Email Encryption
If you encrypt your emails, even if they get intercepted, the content will remain unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the right password.
This is really important for keeping sensitive information safe and making sure we stick to the rules.
Libraesva also points out in their “The Buyer’s Guide to Email Security” how important it is to have strong encryption protocols in place to keep email communications safe.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding MFA gives you another layer of security, because it means users have to verify their identity in more than one way.
Even though there are new ways of getting around MFA, such as using the EvilProxy framework, MFA is still a vital part of keeping email secure.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
We’re seeing an increasing use of AI and ML to detect and respond to email threats in real time.
These technologies look at how emails are sent and received to spot any potential problems quickly.
Cisco uses AI to keep an eye on things 24/7, so even the newest zero-day attacks are caught and dealt with.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
If you’re a business handling sensitive data, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a must.
It keeps an eye on outgoing emails to make sure no confidential information is sent out without permission.
For ease of reference, kindly direct your attention to “Cloud Computing Risk Assessment: Definition, Types, & Steps To Do“
Importance of Email Security for Businesses
From client emails to financial transactions, a lot of sensitive information goes through our inboxes every day.
If your email security is breached, it can have a catastrophic impact on your business. It’s an investment that no business can afford to overlook.
If an email attack is successful, it can have a seriously damaging effect on your finances.
Fraudulent transactions, theft of intellectual property or a ransomware attack can all lead to substantial financial losses.
The IBM report, The Cost of Data Breach 2024, showed how much a data breach costs businesses in Australia.
In 2024, it was an average of $2.78 million, and in 2023 it was $2.70 million.
When data is breached, often because of an email attack, it can lead to legal issues and damage your reputation because you’ve exposed sensitive customer or employee information.
The loss of customer trust can be just as damaging, eroding years of goodwill and loyalty.
On top of that, if your system is hit by malware or goes down because of an email attack, it can mess up your business operations, which could mean less productivity and lost revenue.
The “2024 State of the Phish” report shows that 69% of organisations were hit by ransomware, which goes to show how common this threat is.
So, email security goes way beyond just protecting data. It’s about keeping your business’s finances healthy, your reputation intact, and your operations running smoothly.
Implementing Email Security Best Practices
If you follow the best practices and make sure your employees are on their toes, you’ll be much less likely to get caught out by email threats.
That’s why it’s so much help to educate people. Absolutely.
It’s crucial to remember the human factor is key to any kind of digital security. Why is that?
Proofpoint’s report shows that 58% of users who took risky actions did so in ways that made them vulnerable to social engineering.
That means it’s important to give your employees regular security awareness training.
The goal is for them to know how to spot and avoid phishing attempts, recognise suspicious emails and practice safe email habits.
Next, it’s a good idea to do regular security audits to help spot weaknesses in email systems and make sure that security measures are up to date and effective.
Both Cisco and Libraesva make a good point: you’ve got to keep an eye on things and analyse the data to spot and stop threats.
Consequently, making sure you have strong password policies in place and encouraging people to use two-factor authentication is a great way to make your system more secure.
Next, you must ensure your email security software, operating systems and apps are all up to date with the latest security patches.
It’s also a good idea to have an incident response plan in place so you can react quickly and effectively in the event of an email security breach.
This will help you limit the damage and get back up and running again more quickly.
Having a clear plan for what to do if there’s a security breach means the company can react quickly to limit the damage and get back to normal.
Cisco’s approach includes looking back at files and using advanced filters to stop and fix threats effectively.
It’s also worth remembering that email security is the responsibility of everyone in the company.
If you combine a solid tech solution with proactive employee engagement, you can build a strong defence against the ever-changing email threats.
Top Email Security Solutions in Australia
1. Interscale
We see what a tough time Australian businesses have with email security. That’s why we don’t just offer one solution that works for everyone.
Our team of experts will work closely with you to get to know your business, identify your vulnerabilities and understand your goals.
We then put together a custom email security solution that fits right into your existing IT setup, giving you solid protection without adding any extra hassle.
With Interscale, you’re not just getting a product; you’re gaining a partner.
We’ll keep an eye on things for you, so you can be sure your email security is always up to date.
Our proactive approach means you can focus on what you do best – running your business – while we take care of keeping your inbox safe.
We kindly request you to visit Interscale Cybersecurity Services page to learn more about how we can assist you.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to discuss the matter further over coffee and croissants, we can arrange a one-to-one meeting.
We are prepared to address your particular risk assessment concerns and demonstrate how Interscale can serve as your reliable partner.
2. Proofpoint
Proofpoint all about detecting threats, preventing data loss and encrypting data, so it’s got a pretty robust email security platform.
Proofpoint’s solutions are great at stopping phishing and BEC attacks, which are pretty common these days.
Plus, their platform includes advanced reporting and analytics to help businesses understand and deal with email threats more effectively.
You can also get Proofpoint Essentials as part of the Interscale service.
That means when you use Interscale, you’ll get all the benefits of Interscale and Proofpoint in one simple payment.
3. Symantec Email Security.cloud
Symantec’s cloud-based email security service has got all the bells and whistles, including advanced threat protection, encryption, and compliance tools.
Symantec Email Security.cloud is a hit with Australian businesses because it has all the security features you could need to stop data breaches and make sure you’re on the right side of the rules.
The service also includes real-time threat monitoring and response, which helps businesses stay one step ahead of emerging threats.
4. Cisco Email Security
Cisco leverages AI and machine learning in its email security solutions to detect and block advanced threats.
Cisco’s approach includes continuous analysis and retrospective security, ensuring that even sophisticated zero-day attacks are identified and mitigated.
This makes Cisco a reliable choice for businesses seeking robust protection for their email communications.
In Closing
It’s not just about the cost; email security is a strategic investment in your company’s future.
If you’re ready to step up your email safety game, take a look at some full-service solutions and start your journey towards a more secure digital space.
That’s why we at Interscale are always on hand to provide email security solutions and support. Absolutely, we’re here for all your needs, 24/7.
