Email has been a significant component of business productivity for decades, and it is so prolific that we can take it for granted. Some younger business people may think email to be a bit outdated, but nothing can be further from the truth. There are 3.9 billion daily email users across the globe, meaning that nearly half of the world’s population uses email daily. Email is still an effective medium for businesses as well, representing the best form of contact between companies and their customers. But do those companies really have to worry about email security?
In recent years email has become a primary target for cybercriminals and hackers. Security breaches via email is one of the most common ways criminals attack company data, and the frequency of attacks is rising by the day. Email security is vital because all organizations, no matter their size or function, use email. Small business is often the target of cyber criminals because their security measures are minimal compared to larger organizations. Not only that, but email is an easy target because all levels of employees use it – and many are not tech-savvy or security minded.
Because of the significant amount of emails companies and their employees receive, there is ample opportunity for cyber-criminals to achieve access. Email can seem so familiar – and spam emails can be so “ordinary” – that employees can become lax in their vigilance against phishing and malicious malware links.
What is Phishing?
Phishing emails are designed to exploit employees and the businesses they work for. All a cyber-hacker requires is for someone to click on a provided link or open a sent image. But these aren’t just standard links and pictures. They are infected with malware and can hijack personal data and login credentials. Sometimes these malicious images and links can install malware onto a computer, giving the hacker access to the entire company network, allowing theft on a much larger scale.
Phishing is a common method for cyber-criminals because of how effective it has proven to be. It is relatively easy for them to fool employees into believing their favorite brands are emailing them offering a great deal – or a solution to a problem.
What Comprises Email Security?
How can email security prevent phishing and other nefarious email attacks? Email security involves utilizing technology and software to safeguard email accounts from cyber-criminals. However, it is also essential that employees be educated on potential scams.
With security built into the system, employees and employers can experience secure email. Spyware protection, email encryption, firewalls, and spam blockers can all work together to provide the security you need to protect your company data. Other recommended policies for every company include the following:
- Frequent password changes
- Utilization of strong passwords
- Secure login with integrated encryption
- Filtering spam
- Security awareness training for employees
Email security encompasses specific policies and technology to ensure cyber-criminals aren’t given the opportunity to gain access to information about your business. All steps you take are equally important to secure your data and information and to ensure your employees don’t fall victim to email phishing scams or inadvertently open anything that could unleash malware into the company network.
Remember, even if your company has advanced security measures in place for network components other than email, email security is necessary. Without it, your employees are vulnerable to phishing and other scams and schemes that could result in sensitive information getting out. Don’t let your company and employees be attacked by cyber-criminals – learn more about email security today.
Alliance IT provides the professional expertise and experience you need to secure your company network and data. Call today for more information.
