You’ve Got Mail — And It’s the Single Biggest Threat to Your Organization’s Security

Within the world of network security, email remains one of the most critical—and yet often underestimated—attack surfaces for organizations. Even experienced users can be tricked by well-crafted phishing emails and business email compromise (BEC) scams, making human error the most common vulnerability in even the most fortified environments.

Recent industry research confirms that email is still the primary entry point for malware, phishing, and other cyberattacks. Whether it’s a deceptive invoice, a seemingly routine internal request, or an urgent call to action, cybercriminals continue to refine their techniques to exploit our trust in email communications.

Scammers Are Getting Smarter

Business email compromise schemes have evolved far beyond the classic “Nigerian prince” scam. Today’s attackers impersonate company executives, vendors, or even trusted partners to trick employees into releasing sensitive information or transferring funds.

For example:

• Record Losses from BEC: Recent FBI reports reveal that losses from BEC scams have reached new highs in recent years—exceeding billions of dollars as cybercriminals refine their methods and exploit real-time events.
• Exploiting Breaking News: Cybercriminals are quick to leverage current events, sending emails that appear to come from government officials or trusted institutions to lure victims into divulging personal or financial information.
• High-Profile Incidents: The May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, which has been linked in part to a phishing email, is just one of several high-profile examples that illustrate how a single misdirected click can lead to significant operational disruption and financial loss.

These incidents serve as a stark reminder that no organization is immune from email-based threats.

How the Scams Work

Attackers use a variety of techniques to bypass traditional security measures and trick users into compromising their systems:

• Spoofing and Impersonation: Cybercriminals replicate legitimate email addresses and websites to make fraudulent messages appear authentic.
• Phishing: Carefully crafted emails prompt recipients to click on malicious links or attachments, which then deploy malware or harvest login credentials.
• Exploitation of Remote Work Trends: As remote and hybrid work environments have become the norm, attackers have seized on the opportunity by targeting digital communication and collaboration tools. Emails that mimic legitimate meeting invitations or system alerts have become common, further blurring the line between genuine and fraudulent communications.

Almost invariably, the breach begins with a single user action that opens the door for an otherwise sophisticated attack.

The Two-Tier Defense Against Email Attacks

Effectively mitigating email threats requires a dual approach: user education and robust technology.

1. Education

The most important defense against BEC and phishing attacks is comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training. Regularly educating staff on how to spot suspicious emails, verify requests, and follow security protocols can significantly reduce risk. A well-designed training program should be an integral part of your organization’s security strategy.

2. Technology

While user training is essential, technology must complement it. Modern email security solutions—often leveraging artificial intelligence—can monitor email activity, detect anomalies, and block malicious content before it reaches your inbox. In addition, multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be implemented on all accounts to add an extra layer of defense against compromised credentials.

A managed services provider can assist with selecting, deploying, and maintaining these technologies to ensure that your organization remains protected against ever-evolving threats.

No More Compromise

Email-based threats are not only disruptive but can also lead to substantial financial losses and reputational damage. Preventing these attacks requires a comprehensive strategy that blends proactive education, advanced technology, and expert guidance. By staying informed about emerging threats and continuously updating your security protocols, you can better defend your organization’s sensitive information against the persistent risks of email compromise.

Learn more about how to protect your organization by connecting with one of the security specialists on Net at Work’s Managed Security Services team.