Emails are an essential tool for modern businesses, allowing people to communicate quickly and efficiently with colleagues, customers, and suppliers. However, the convenience of email also comes with risks, as cybercriminals seek to exploit vulnerabilities in email systems to gain access to sensitive data and money or to launch damaging attacks.
The threat of email security breaches is increasing, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated techniques to deceive their targets.
For example, phishing attacks can now be highly personalised emails through information gathered through social media. With this information, emails can look like they come from legitimate sources such as colleagues.
Given the growing risks, UK businesses should take email security seriously and implement measures to protect themselves.
Here are six steps businesses can take to improve their email security:
- Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords should be a minimum of 12 characters long and include upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols to make your account more secure. - Two-Factor Authentication
To secure your account further from potential attacks, you should consider adding a TFA (two-factor authentication).
TFAs add an extra layer of security by requiring a code or token after a password to access an account. - Train Employees on Email Security
Employees are often the weakest link in email security, as they may be less aware of the risks and less diligent in following security procedures. Providing regular training on email security and best practices can help raise awareness and reduce the risk of breaches against your business. Training should cover topics such as identifying phishing emails, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, using encryption and other security measures.
- Email Encryption Email
Encryption is an effective way to protect sensitive data in transit. Encryption scrambles the contents of an email message, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.
Encrypted emails can also be sent securely to anyone with an email address as long as they have the correct decryption key. - Implement Email Filtering
Email filtering can help to block spam and malicious emails, reducing the risk of phishing attacks and other types of cyber-attacks.
Filtering can be based on criteria, including sender, subject line, and content, to block emails automatically. - Regularly Review Security Procedures
Email security is an ongoing process, and it is essential to regularly review and update security procedures to keep up with new threats and vulnerabilities.
Regular security audits and risk assessments can help to ensure that security procedures are up-to-date and effective.
Our Summary
Email security is an essential aspect of modern business, and UK businesses must take steps to protect themselves against the growing threat of cyber-attacks and data breaches.
With the correct measures in place, businesses can continue to benefit from the speed and efficiency of email communications while protecting against growing risks.
If you require any support with your email security, don’t hesitate to visit our website to book a free IT audit.
