Are you worried about email-based cyber attacks because you don’t know how to protect yourself?
The email-based attacks are getting stronger day by day. This highlights the importance of staying vigilant and one step ahead of cybercriminals. Attackers primarily target emails to deploy phishing scams, malware, and other cyber attacks.
According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, 68% of data breaches are caused due to any human element.
As email-based threats evolve, organizations must implement strategies to prevent them. One such strategy involves the implementation of email authentication protocols, including DMARC service.
With that said, let’s check out how you can stay ahead of these email-based attacks.
Email-Based Attacks and Their Types
Over the last few years, cyber-attacks have become more substantial and more sophisticated. Various technological advancements have leveraged cyber criminals. The know-how of these cyber-attacks and the potential harm they can cause is essential.
It helps reduce the chances of being harmed by these malicious emails. Some types of these attacks include:
- Phishing
Phishing emails are sent by cyber criminals to get the recipient’s personal information. Attackers get an idea of the target’s interests through various means. The information is then used to make the target trust the phishing email.
- Malware
Malware doesn’t target a specific person, it targets computer systems. It is designed by cyber attackers to disrupt and damage a computer system. Any infected software sent through emails to harm the system is considered malware.
- Ransomware
In this malicious attack, cybercriminals attack the victim’s computers and steal and encrypt the data. The account owners are then asked for ransom against this data. After they get the demanded ransom, they make the data accessible to the users.
- Spam Emails
Spam emails include sending a large number of emails that are irrelevant to the user’s interest. The main aim is to advertise various brands and products through these emails. These emails sometimes contain malicious links. When these links are clicked, they lure users to the malicious websites.
- Email Spoofing
DNS Spoofing is a technique in which attackers change the sender’s email address in the header section. It makes the email look similar to the legitimate source. Email spoofing aims to trick users by sending similar-looking emails and getting their data.
- Data Exfiltration
Data Exfiltration is a relatively large-scale email attack that targets organizations. Competitors usually hire attackers and steal important information from an organization’s systems.
User Awareness In the Prevention of Attacks
No matter how advanced email authentication protocols get, the users must be trained to identify suspicious emails. Here are some ways to avoid falling victim to the malicious emails.
Verify Sender
Users must be trained not to trust all incoming emails. Instead of opening attachments and links, double-check the sender’s email address if it looks suspicious. Most companies have their user addresses mentioned in the contact details on their website. Even if the email claims to be from a legitimate source, it is better to cross-check it from the original site.
Spot Red Flags
The emails that show a sense of urgency must be questioned for legitimacy. Beware of the emails that ask for personal information. Don’t enter any unnecessary details, especially the passwords and bank account details.
Hover over links
If the email looks malicious, don’t open the attachments directly. Hover your mouse over the link attached to the email. It will show a preview of the website, the link of which is attached.
Avoid Unknown Attachments
It is not necessary to download attachments of all the emails you receive. The malicious attachments can harm your systems. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid unknown attachments.
Use Strong Passwords
Passwords are the first line of defense for the account’s security. Users must be guided about the importance of strong passwords. The passwords must be a mixture of alphabets, numbers, and symbols. It must not be too apparent, like someone’s name or date of birth.
Defensive Strategies Against Email-Based Attacks
Various defensive strategies have been devised to protect email accounts from cyber-attacks. This includes the implementation of technical defenses. Some of the advanced techniques to prevent email attacks are listed here.
- Advanced Email Filtering Techniques
Various spam filters have been introduced to detect spam emails. These filters can identify emails coming from malicious sources. Attackers usually design emails that look beneficial to the users. They aim to get the users to click on the malicious links. Spam emails can be harmless, but they occupy an ample space in your inbox.
Spam filters are designed to recognize patterns followed by spam emails. It acts as a valuable tool to protect the inbox from unwanted emails. Sometimes, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also use spam filters to enhance the protection of their domains.
- Implementing Robust Email Authentication
Email authentication protocols have now become compulsory for all email servers. The current best email authentication protocols include Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC).
SPF is an email authentication protocol that specifies who can send emails on behalf of their domains. This prevents unauthorized emails from reaching your inbox. Its proper use prevents emails from being rejected. For organizations with complex email infrastructures, an SPF flattening tool can help maintain SPF records within DNS lookup limits while preserving security.
DKIM adds a digital signature to the authorized emails. This provides a cryptographic key pair to both the sender and recipient of an email. This benefits the detection of fake emails from unauthorized sources.
DMARC provides additional Email security by working with Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKeys Identified Message (DKIM). DMARC reports provide detailed information on how the emails are processed within a system. With this, users can identify the traffic on their email domain. This helps users monitor the legitimacy of emails on their domains with enhanced security.
- Using Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication works as a multiple-lock system that adds an extra layer of security. It helps prevent attacks by asking for additional information. MFA is based on three factors. It could be something you know, like a PIN or password. Something you possess and something you are, like your fingerprint.
Most of the organizations implement two-factor authentication. It makes it difficult for cybercriminals to enter accounts even if they crack passwords. This strengthens the organizations’ defenses against cyber attacks.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML analyze the patterns of incoming emails. These patterns help them flag suspicious email behaviors. They work according to the information added to them. It is essential to feed AI and ML with human-based intelligence.
The AI algorithms can analyze and detect incoming emails in real-time. These techniques can also take automated actions against phishing emails if appropriately trained. This strengthens the email authentication system.
How Do DNS Records Help Prevent Email Attacks
DNS records are an essential component in enhancing email security. DNS operates emails by performing DNS lookups. These lookups determine the destination addresses of the sent emails. DNS records enhance email protection.
Understanding DNS-related email errors is also essential. MSPs must understand the connection between DNS and email. This helps them optimize the security of their email servers.
Conclusion
Implementing email authentication strategies is no longer an option. It has become a necessity to prevent domains from cyber attacks. By following the strategies mentioned above, you can prevent unauthorized senders from using your domain for malicious activities.
PowerDMARC plays an essential role in this process. It provides DMARC solutions that help businesses take necessary steps to enhance email authentication. So, if you are worried about your business, don’t forget to implement the strategies we’ve talked about to protect your company.
