In this era of remote working and digital operations, email has become a primary means of communication for businesses. It helps them connect with the clients, employees, and stakeholders. However, the sheer amount of sensitive information transmitted via email makes it a top target for cybercriminals.
In fact, the numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent report, 36% of all data breaches involve phishing attacks, and 85% are done via email.
That’s why email security has become a significant concern for businesses worldwide. If you are also struggling with a similar situation, don’t worry, as we’ve got you covered! Below we’ll discuss the top threats to business email security and share the best tips to avoid them.
Phishing
Phishing is the most common type of cyber attack, with nearly 90% of successful cyber attacks starting with a phishing email. Here, an attacker impersonates a trustworthy entity or person to gain sensitive information like passwords, usernames, or credit card details from victims.
Simply put, an attacker sends fake emails, which appear legitimate but contain malicious links or attachments that install malware on the victim’s computer or direct them to fake websites to steal their information.
- Tip To Protect
Educate your employees on how to identify phishing emails, encourage them to be cautious of suspicious messages, and avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments. Additionally, implement two-factor authentication, use spam filters, and keep your software and antivirus programs up to date.
Password Attacks
In this attack, fraudsters try to gain unauthorized access to the business’s system by guessing or cracking their password. Password attacks can take many forms, such as brute-force attacks, dictionary attacks, or credential-stuffing attacks. That’s why businesses are often recommended to use strong passwords that are difficult to guess and secure the email with MFA or 2FA.
- Tip To Protect
If you lose access to your email due to a password attack, you can look for a professional hacker or technocrat to help you regain access. Nonetheless, you must be wondering- how to hire a hacker; no need to worry as all you need to do is search on the internet. Look for reputable companies with ethical hacking services and a proven track record of success in recovering lost passwords.
Man-In-The-Middle Attacks
Last but not least, businesses are continuously exposed to Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. This occurs when an attacker intercepts the communication between two parties, such as a sender and a receiver, and secretly alters the messages exchanged between them. In the case of email, the attacker can intercept and read the email, modify its content, or even send a fake response.
- Tip To Protect
To protect your business from MITM attacks, you must implement strong security measures such as using secure communication protocols like HTTPS, regularly updating your software and antivirus programs, and using two-factor authentication for all your accounts. You can also prevent MITM attacks using a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts all communication between your business and the internet.
The Bottom Line,
The threats to business email security are constantly evolving. So, staying vigilant and proactive in protecting your business is crucial. By following the measures discussed in this article, you can minimize the risk of email-based cyber attacks and safeguard your valuable data and assets.