How Email Became the Go-To Tool for Cyber Attacks
- Apr 10, 2023,
- TG8 Security
Email is an essential part of modern-day communication, and it’s also a popular target for cybercriminals who use various techniques to attack businesses. Email-based attacks have become more sophisticated over time, and they continue to pose a significant threat to businesses of all sizes. In this blog, we will discuss in detail why email is an easy link for cybercriminals to launch attacks on businesses.
Widespread Use:
Email is one of the most widely used communication channels in the world. According to a report by Statista, there were 4.1 billion email users worldwide in 2021, and this number is expected to reach 4.4 billion by 2024. This widespread use makes email an easy target for cybercriminals looking to reach many potential victims.
Anonymity:
Cybercriminals can use anonymous or fake email accounts to launch their attacks, making it difficult to identify the attacker. Additionally, email spoofing techniques can be used to make the email appear to be coming from a trusted source, further adding to the confusion. This anonymity makes it easier for attackers to launch attacks without fear of being identified.
Social Engineering:
Many email attacks rely on social engineering tactics to trick the recipient into taking a specific action, such as clicking on a link or downloading an attachment. Cybercriminals use a range of social engineering techniques, such as impersonation, urgency, and curiosity, to make their emails more convincing. Social engineering is effective because it preys on the recipient’s emotions and biases, making them more likely to fall for the attack.
Low Cost:
Compared to other forms of attack, email attacks are relatively low cost. Cybercriminals can use readily available tools and techniques to create and send emails, making it an attractive option for attackers looking to maximize their return on investment. Low-cost attacks also mean that cybercriminals can launch attacks on a larger scale, increasing their chances of success.
Wide Range of Attack Types:
Email attacks can take many different forms, including phishing, malware distribution, business email compromise (BEC), and ransomware. This wide range of attack types means that cybercriminals have many options to choose from when deciding how to launch their attack. They can tailor their attacks to the specific target, increasing the chances of success.
Inadequate Security Measures:
Many businesses do not have adequate security measures in place to protect against email-based attacks. This can include inadequate spam filters, lack of email authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM, or DMARC, and insufficient employee training on email security best practices. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to launch successful attacks on the business.
Human Error:
Even with the best security measures in place, human error can still occur. Employees can accidentally click on a link or download an attachment, even if they have been trained on best practices for email security. Attackers can take advantage of these mistakes to gain access to the business’s systems and data.
In conclusion, email is an easy link for cybercriminals to launch attacks on businesses due to its widespread use, anonymity, social engineering tactics, low cost, wide range of attack types, inadequate security measures, and potential for human error. Businesses must take steps to protect themselves from email-based attacks, including implementing strong email security measures, training employees on best practices, using two-factor authentication, conducting regular security audits, and remaining vigilant. By doing so, they can reduce the risk of falling victim to email-based attacks and protect their business from potential harm.
TG8 Security is a company based in Texas, USA that offers a consolidated platform of DPI firewall and cybersecurity gateways. This platform is designed to improve security, reduce costs, and simplify management for organizations. TG8 Security works with channel partners worldwide to implement and support its products and solutions, making it accessible to organizations across the globe.