What Are Email Security Threats And How to Prevent Them?
Emails are one of the popular and integral parts of this digital world that use personal and professional communication.
However, according to CERT NZ, in the first quarter of 2023, there were 1,968 incident reports of cyber security incidents and issues from individuals and businesses all over New Zealand.
Among these, 946 are phishing attacks mainly done by using emails. It highlights the importance of having reliable NZ Email Hosting to protect your email’s sensitive information you share with others.
As a trusted Domain and Email Hosting service, implement sophisticated security measures and strategies to combat various email security threats.
So here in this article, we will discuss more about what are some common email security threats and effective strategies to mitigate them.
What Are The Different Email Security Threats?
Email security threats are the threats to email which affect the communication of emails, data confidentiality, integrity, and user trust. Here are some of the common email threats and ways to avoid them:
- Phishing Attacks
The phishing attack is a widely spread fraudulent activity in which attackers send tempting malicious links to individuals and organizations, and when the receiver clicks on them, which will lead to unauthorized access to accounts.
The attackers used phishing attacks to deceive the receivers into obtaining sensitive data and credentials, including debit or credit card details, passwords, social security numbers, etc.
- Email Spoofing
Email spoofing is also the type of email threat in which the attackers and the spammers impersonate themselves as someone else to look genuine to the receiver.
It entices receivers to click on genuine-looking, malicious links.
As a result, the attackers successfully obtain the personal information and credentials of the receivers. For example, impersonating a bank requesting account information
- Malware and Viruses
Malware and viruses are software designed to do malicious attacks to disrupt your computer’s processing.
And in this context, email security, malware, and viruses are sent through the links in emails, resulting in loss and breach of data and sensitive information.
- Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MITM)
MITM are those attacks in which the attacker secretly relays the communication of the two parties, which think they are directly communicating with each other.
The attackers can eavesdrop on sensitive information and change it or add malicious code to steal important data and credentials from these two parties.
Preventive Measures of Email Threats
One of the common practices to avoid this threat is using the best Email Hosting services. However, along with reliable Email Hosting in NZ, you should use these common preventive measures such as.
| Email Security Threats | Prevention Measures |
| Phishing Attacks | 1. Verify the sender’s authenticity 2. Avoid clicking on unknown, shortened, or misspelled URL links.3. Be cautious of email attachments |
| Email Spoofing | 1. Implement email authentication protocols.2. Enable email filtering to identify and block suspicious emails. |
| Malware and Viruses | 1. Install reputable antivirus software 2. Exercise caution with email attachments3. Enable automatic updates to patch any security vulnerabilities. |
| Man-in-the-Middle Attacks | 1. Use encrypted connections for both incoming and outgoing emails.2. Encrypt email content |
Conclusion
Email security poses a significant risk to the individual and organization. Understanding these threats and prevention measures, along with using the best business Email Hosting, will help you minimize the risk of becoming a victim.
Moreover, with reliable NZ Email Hosting, you stay secure and can focus on your core business activities.