The Email Security Risk Report 2024 by Egress [4] [5] [6], a cybersecurity company [2] [7], highlights the growing concern among cybersecurity professionals regarding email security incidents. This report sheds light on the prevalence of phishing attacks and the vulnerabilities organizations face.
Description
According to the report, phishing attacks continue to be a major threat, with 94% of global organizations falling victim to such attacks, representing a 2% increase from the previous year [1] [2] [3] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9]. The most common types of phishing attacks include malicious URLs, compromised account attacks [1] [4] [5] [6] [9], and malware or ransomware attachments [1] [4] [5] [6] [9]. These attacks have had a negative impact on 96% of organizations [6], with 79% experiencing account takeover attacks originating from phishing emails.
The report also highlights the vulnerability of organizations to advanced phishing attacks [7], human error [1] [4] [5] [7] [9], and data exfiltration [1] [4] [5] [7] [9]. It specifically mentions concerns about the use of chatbots in phishing attacks, as cybercriminals are increasingly utilizing AI, deepfakes [3] [7], and AI chatbots to create sophisticated phishing campaigns.
Furthermore, the report questions the effectiveness of Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) and suggests that organizations are considering replacing them with native controls and integrated cloud email security solutions [7]. Traditional training methods are also being doubted, as organizations view training as a mere checkbox requirement.
Conclusion
To mitigate risks and protect against phishing attacks and data loss [7], organizations need to adapt their approach to email security [4] [7]. It is crucial for organizations to continuously review their defenses and address evolving threats [3], including the potential impact of new tools like deepfakes and AI chatbots on phishing attacks [3].
The report emphasizes the need for organizations to take proactive measures and consider alternative solutions to enhance email security. Additionally, it highlights the importance of educating employees about the risks associated with phishing attacks and promoting responsible email behavior.
In conclusion, organizations must prioritize email security to prevent data loss and exfiltration caused by reckless behavior, human error [1] [4] [5] [7] [9], and malicious exfiltration [4] [5]. By staying vigilant and implementing robust security measures, organizations can effectively combat the growing threat of phishing attacks.
References
[1] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/94-firms-hit-phishing-attacks-2023/
[2] https://homeofdirectcommerce.com/news/report-says-that-94-of-global-organisations-experienced-email-security-incidents-last-year/
[3] https://betanews.com/2024/01/16/94-percent-of-organizations-suffer-email-security-incidents/
[4] https://www.smdailyjournal.com/business/new-report-reveals-that-94-of-global-organizations-have-experienced-email-security-incidents/article_7fa5e891-db7c-5c3b-a221-889ce4667d18.html
[5] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/01/16/2809606/0/en/New-report-reveals-that-94-of-global-organizations-have-experienced-email-security-incidents-last-year.html
[6] https://cioinfluence.com/security/new-report-reveals-that-94-percent-of-global-organizations-have-experienced-email-security-incidents-last-year/
[7] https://www.morningstar.com/news/globe-newswire/1000908374/new-report-reveals-that-94-of-global-organizations-have-experienced-email-security-incidents-last-year
[8] https://www.digit.fyi/new-report-reveals-staggering-number-of-email-security-incidents/
[9] https://ciso2ciso.com/email-nightmare-94-of-firms-hit-by-phishing-attacks-in-2023-source-www-infosecurity-magazine-com/
