Email threats are always changing and evolving, so it's critical to remain on top of them. Here are the most frequent email threats today, as well as tips on how to recognize and manage them.
Most Common Email Threats Today
- Business Email Compromise
- Ransomware
- Phishing
- Spear Phishing
- Data Breach
- Spam
- Domain Impersonation
Most of us are aware of spam emails and even communications that contain viruses, but email risks have rapidly developed over time to include a wide range of new dangers. Let's take a look at some of the most frequent email dangers and how to protect yourself.
BEC
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a term that refers to a multitude of attack tactics that take advantage of the fact that companies and organizations use email to conduct their business. BEC scams are generally aimed at larger companies that interact with overseas vendors or undertake wire transfers.
Attackers can use leaked contact information or phishing emails to persuade unwary employees to give extremely sensitive information or wire money to their fictitious organization. The phony invoice fraud is one of the most popular BEC assaults. To persuade someone in accounting that an invoice has passed its due, the attacker utilizes social engineering or phishing methods.
Ransomware
Ransomware attacks have been on the increase for some years and are one of the most dangerous threats you may face. Ransomware attacks employ a variety of tactics to persuade victims to open and execute a malicious attachment. Before going on to the rest of the network, this attachment has a payload that discreetly begins encrypting all files on the target system.
The victim is then given an ultimatum: lose all their data and files if they don't pay a hefty ransom. There is typically no way for victims to restore their information without good backups or encryption keys. Even if you agree and pay the ransom, there is no assurance that you will get the key to unlock your data from the attackers.
Phishing
Over half of all emails sent are phishing efforts, according to estimates. Phishing assaults imitate well-known companies and people that the target is familiar with. The receiver is frequently asked to click on a link and log into a web-based service. The URL takes you to a phony website that seems quite legit. The attackers are waiting to duplicate the information and hijack the account once the victim inputs it.
Spear Phishing
Attackers imitate a certain firm or individual to look convincing in this type of phishing. While the normal phishing letter is sent to hundreds of inboxes, spear-phishing efforts are very specific and only target one organization or individual.
To create a convincing phishing message, attackers acquire information such as employee names, email signatures, known associates, and corporate structure. Spear phishing is particularly harmful since a well-crafted assault may dupe even the most tech-savvy personnel.
Data Breach
Data breaches can occur in a variety of ways, with email being a common attack vector. Insider threats can leak sensitive information either accidentally or deliberately. While database attacks are the most common type of data breach, email may still be exploited to acquire corporate secrets and other sensitive information.
Spam
Spam is bothersome, but even spam that appears to be harmless might include more serious email threats. High levels of spam can also have a negative impact on productivity and overwhelm inboxes that are already overburdened.
Domain Impersonation
A lookalike domain or cousin domain assault is another term for domain impersonation. In spear phishing assaults, attackers utilize domain impersonation to escape detection and make their fraudulent communication appear to come from the target firm.
For example, attackers targeting Microsoft may register the domain ‘micosoft.com’ and use it to send targeted messages. Attacks that use domain impersonation can be difficult to detect, and can still occur even when DMARC protections are in place.
What Can You Do to Ward Off These Attacks?
A comprehensive email security solution paired with a well-tested backup and disaster recovery plan can help you avoid attacks and minimize the impact of data loss. Based on information from other threat databases, AI-powered threat detection can identify harmful files and prevent them from being delivered.
To prevent attacks from propagating throughout the network, robust endpoint security is also required. For important apps, use two-factor authentication. If credentials are stolen as a result of a spear-phishing assault, the attackers will be unable to log in without a second form of authentication.
Using DMARC and sophisticated phishing protection, EmailAuth provides a turnkey solution to prevent phishing threats. To block both harmful files and phishing efforts at the same time, the system employs both signature-based security and behavioral analysis.
EmailAuth offers a multitude of connectors with systems including Office 365, Microsoft Exchange, and Gmail, regardless of where your mail server is housed. You won't have to worry about missing emails during onboarding because the setup is straightforward and requires no downtime.
Original source: https://infosecventures.bcz.com/2022/01/12/email-threat-detection-and-mitigation/
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