Email stands as a cornerstone of business communication, bridging various operational aspects. Yet, this vital medium presents numerous security challenges, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. A recent study reveals that a staggering 98% of organizations acknowledge their vulnerability to email attacks.

This blog post delves into the common attack types and email security best practices. From understanding the critical role of email in business to implementing advanced security measures, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard your digital communication. Let’s begin.

An Overview of Email Threats in the Workplace

The world of email threats is ever-changing, with cyber attackers constantly seeking new avenues to exploit vulnerabilities in email systems. These threats encompass a wide range, from malware and ransomware to sophisticated phishing and scam tactics, all of which present substantial risks to the security and smooth functioning of businesses.

As cyber criminals continually refine their techniques, the risk of email-based attacks escalates, particularly with the proliferation of network connections and the increasing adoption of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. To counter these evolving threats, a robust multilayered defence system becomes imperative.

What is Email Security?

Email security involves the implementation of measures to protect email communications, maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of messages. It serves as a vital defense for organizations and professionals, preventing unauthorized access, detecting malicious content, and safeguarding sensitive information.

Email is frequently exploited by cyber attackers to spread malware, steal data, deploy ransomware, and carry out phishing attacks. Email security solutions are designed to counter the constantly evolving range of email-based attack methods.

Common Email Attack Types

Understanding these common attack types is crucial for implementing effective defense strategies. Here's a brief overview of the most prevalent email attack types:

• Phishing: Deceptive emails mimicking legitimate sources to steal sensitive information.
• Spear phishing: Highly targeted phishing attacks aimed at specific individuals or organizations.
• Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts a victim's files or systems, demanding a ransom for access restoration.
• Malware: Software designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems, often spread through email attachments or links.
• Spoofing: Forging email headers to make messages appear as if they come from a trusted source.
• Man-in-the-middle attack: Intercepting and altering communications between two parties without their knowledge.
• Data exfiltration: Unauthorized transfer of sensitive data from an organization's network.
• Denial of service: Overwhelming email servers with traffic to disrupt services.
• Account takeover: Unauthorized access and use of an individual's email account for malicious purposes.
• Identity theft: Stealing personal information to impersonate someone for fraudulent activities.
• Brand impersonation: Imitating a well-known brand in emails to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information.

Top 8 Email Security Best Practices

Since email is a primary communication tool for businesses, ensuring its security is paramount. The following best practices are essential for enhancing email security.

1. Conducting a thorough assessment of sensitive data
2. Implementing advanced email security solutions
3. Training staff in cybersecurity awareness
4. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) and managing passwords effectively
5. Recognizing and mitigating phishing emails
6. Implementing Strong email defenses, including firewalls and secure email gateways
7. Regular software updates and vulnerability assessments
8. Comprehensive email security audits

1. Conducting a thorough assessment of sensitive data

The foundation of adequate email security is a comprehensive understanding of the sensitive data your organization handles. This involves identifying, cataloguing, and understanding the flow of sensitive information such as personal customer details, financial records, and confidential communications within your email systems.

2. Implementing advanced email DLP solutions

Deploying an advanced Email DLP solution, like Strac, helps identify and protect sensitive data within email communications, thereby preventing data breaches and ensuring regulatory compliance.

3. Training staff in cybersecurity awareness

Regular training sessions should cover recognizing potential threats, understanding the importance of security protocols, and responding appropriately to suspected breaches.

4. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) and managing passwords effectively

Enhancing account security through Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds a layer of protection. Alongside 2FA, encouraging robust and unique password practices and regular password changes is crucial in safeguarding email accounts from unauthorized access.

5. Recognizing and mitigating phishing emails

Empowering employees to identify and appropriately respond to phishing attempts is a key line of defense. This includes training on recognising suspicious emails and the steps to take when they encounter one.

6. Implementing Strong email defenses, including firewalls and secure email gateways

Deploying robust email defenses such as firewalls and secure email gateways acts as a barrier against external threats. It filters out malicious emails, spam, and other potentially harmful communications.

7. Regular software updates and vulnerability assessments

Updating email security software is crucial in defending against the latest cyber threats. Regular vulnerability assessments are also necessary to identify and address potential security gaps in the email infrastructure.

8. Comprehensive email security audits

Conducting thorough email security audits helps evaluate the effectiveness of current security measures. These audits provide insights necessary for enhancing the security protocols and integrating additional security products and strategies.

How do You Ensure Email Security With Strac?

Strac is a modern DLP tool for enhancing email security, particularly in handling sensitive personal and financial information. By integrating advanced features into email systems, Strac ensures that sensitive data is managed securely and efficiently.

Real-time email redaction with secure vault links

When a customer sends sensitive information, such as a driver's license or social security number, Strac automatically redacts this information from the email. Instead, it replaces the sensitive data with secure links to Strac's vault. This ensures that the original sensitive information is not exposed in the email, enhancing data security.

Permission-based access to sensitive information

The secure links provided by Strac can only be accessed by employees with the necessary permissions. This permission-based access control is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. It allows only authorized personnel to view the sensitive data in the vault, ensuring that customer information is handled responsibly and securely.

Configurable link expiration for enhanced security

Strac allows businesses to set an expiration date for the secure links, which can be customized by the admin to a desired timeframe. This feature enhances data security by ensuring that the links to sensitive information are not accessible indefinitely.

Comprehensive protection for various PII and PHI data types

Strac is capable of handling a wide range of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI) data types. This includes social security numbers, driver's licenses, bank accounts, tax forms, medical records, and more. The versatility of Strac makes it an ideal solution for businesses that deal with various types of sensitive information.

Seamless integration with key email platforms

Designed for seamless integration with major email platforms like Gmail and Office 365, Strac also serves as a compliance tool for managing and securing older emails. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of email communication, both new and old, are protected under Strac's robust security measures.

FAQs

Q1. What is the need for multilayered security for modern email infrastructures?

Multilayered security is crucial for modern email infrastructures due to the sophisticated threats posed by malicious emails. These threats include malware, data theft, and network disruption. A multi-layered approach ensures comprehensive protection against these diverse cyber threats, safeguarding sensitive information and business operations.

Q2. How can organizations protect themselves from email-based threats?

Organizations can protect against email-based threats by implementing advanced email DLP solutions and adopting secure email gateways. Regular security audits, employee cybersecurity training, and the use of multi-factor authentication, along with strong password management, are also key to safeguarding email systems.