Email remains a cornerstone of business communication, but its lack of inherent security makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. As businesses increasingly migrate to cloud-based email platforms like Office 365 and G Suite, traditional security solutions struggle to keep pace. This shift to the cloud introduces a distributed workforce and ever-evolving threats, demanding a robust and multi-layered approach to email security.

What is Email Security?

Email security involves using AI and other filtering techniques to stop malware, phishing scams, and business email compromise (BEC). Given that email was never designed to be secure, modern email security requires a comprehensive understanding of threats and a willingness to evolve with changing email usage patterns.

Email originated in the 1960s as a simple way to store and send messages. Over time, it evolved with features like the @ symbol, “To” and “From” fields, and message forwarding. However, these advancements also made email a target for spam and cybercrime. Today, email security is crucial due to the proliferation of phishing attacks and other email-based threats. Nearly 4.7 billion phishing emails are sent daily, highlighting the need for robust email security measures.

Why Cloud Email Security Matters

While on-premises email servers offered a sense of control, they often lacked the scalability and flexibility of cloud-based solutions. Today’s businesses operate with a geographically dispersed workforce, making cloud email a necessity. However, this convenience comes with new security challenges:

• Wider Attack Surface: A remote workforce expands the potential entry points for attackers. Malicious actors can target individual employee devices or exploit vulnerabilities in personal networks.
• Evolving Threats: Phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, employing social engineering tactics and mimicking legitimate senders. Malware authors are constantly developing new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in email attachments and links.
• Data Loss Prevention: The cloud facilitates collaboration and information sharing, but it also increases the risk of data breaches. Sensitive information exchanged through email necessitates robust data protection measures to prevent accidental leaks or unauthorised access.

Common Cloud Email Threats: Knowing Your Enemy

Understanding the different types of email threats empowers you to be more vigilant:

1. Phishing

Phishing attacks are one of the most common security challenges faced in keeping their information secure. Phishing emails can be designed to redirect recipients to malicious websites to steal credentials, deliver malware, or trick recipients into sending sensitive information or money to attackers.

2. Malware

Malware can be delivered via email in a variety of ways. Email attachments may contain malicious macros and other content that runs malicious scripts when opened. Alternatively, email may deliver malware or redirect users to malicious websites that contain attachments containing Trojan horse malware disguised as legitimate software.

3. Ransomware

Ransomware has become a major malware variant and one of the most expensive and effective threats to enterprise cybersecurity. Malware can be delivered via various infection vectors, but many ransomware groups use malicious email as their delivery mechanism.

4. Data Loss

Email is designed for information exchange and is an ideal vector for stealing data. Attackers can use phishing attacks to trick employees into sending sensitive information, compromise email accounts, access data contained therein, and use connections to other online accounts. There is likely to be.

5. Malicious Links

Phishing emails often contain malicious links designed to redirect recipients to malicious websites. These websites can act like malware or impersonate legitimate websites for collecting user credentials, payment card information, and other sensitive data.

The Role of Email Assessments

Email assessments are comprehensive evaluations of an organisation’s email systems and protocols. They aim to identify security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and areas for improvement. Regular email assessments help:

1. Identify Vulnerabilities: Pinpoint weaknesses in email infrastructure and mitigate risks.
2. Ensure Compliance: Align with industry standards and avoid legal issues.
3. Improve Incident Response: Enhance strategies based on assessment data.
4. Enhance Reputation: Build trust with clients by demonstrating a commitment to email security.

How to Secure Your Email

Implement the following best practices to protect your email:

• Use Strong Passwords: Enforce strong password policies to prevent account compromise.
• Enable MFA: Use multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
• Deploy an Email Security Solution: Use comprehensive solutions to detect and prevent email threats.
• Train Employees: Educate employees about common email threats and response strategies.
• Monitor Configurations: Regularly audit email configurations to detect unauthorised changes.

Email Security by ArmourZero’s Platform ShieldOne

As companies increasingly adopt a remote workforce, cloud email security becomes more important than ever. By utilising Security-as-a-Service, companies can focus on securing their remote employees without worrying about the complexities of monitoring services.

ArmourZero has partnered with Avanan to offer an email security solution that provides comprehensive protection against modern email cyber threats. Contact us for more information about our Email Protection-as-a-Service.

Conclusion

Email security and regular assessments are critical components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. By understanding and implementing robust email security measures and conducting regular assessments, organisations can identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and improve their overall security posture. Investing in these practices not only protects the organisation but also enhances its reputation and fosters trust with clients and partners.