is not malicious , if an employee ’ s communication suddenly changes in tone or content , or if an unfamiliar sender tries to impersonate a trusted contact , Machine Learning algorithms can flag these emails for closer examination . This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of malicious emails reaching users ’ inboxes .
However , we find defensive strategies often move much more slowly than offensive ones , and many organisations still rely on traditional tools that are increasingly inadequate for the job . While solutions like SEGs will keep out large volumes of basic email scams and spam , they are at a growing risk of being bypassed by more advanced attacks .
Preparing for the next wave of email threats
There can be a tendency to see email as an ‘ outdated ’ threat , leading to complacency among organisations , which may prioritise risks perceived to be more modern , cloud and AI security . To effectively counter email threats , organisations must shift this mindset and continue to prioritise email security measures . If email remains a primary mode of business operations , it will also remain one of the most significant security risks they face .
Organisations must invest in tools that anticipate and neutralise threats before they hit employee inboxes . traditional Secure Email Gateways ( SEGs ), which rely on detecting known threat signatures , like malicious attachments and links . However , by leveraging modern social engineering tactics that intentionally omit these traditional indicators of compromise , attackers are easily able to bypass SEG detection .
Fortunately , there has been some significant progress by the email security technology market to counter this .
The integration of behavioural analysis and AI in email security solutions is one of the most notable shifts we ’ ve seen in recent years . Unlike traditional methods that rely on content or domain-based filtering , these advanced systems analyse communication patterns and behaviours within an organisation .
By establishing a baseline for normal behaviour , AI-driven solutions can identify anomalies that suggest potential threats . This approach is particularly effective in detecting advanced attacks like BEC and VEC that often rely on mimicking legitimate correspondence .
AI excels at crunching through large volumes of data quickly to spot patterns , which means these tools can detect even the subtlest signs of phishing and other malicious activities . For instance , even if an email
The future of email security will be shaped by the on-going evolution of attacker tactics . One area to watch closely is the continued growth of AI-driven attacks . Most attackers have yet to go beyond scratching the surface of AI , as traditional methods continue to yield high returns .
This will change as the return on investment ( ROI ) for older tactics declines , pushing cybercriminals towards more innovative strategies . To stay ahead , organisations must focus on innovation in email security , prioritising proactive measures like behavioural analysis and AIenhanced threat detection .
Ultimately , transitioning from reactive to proactive strategies will be crucial . Organisations must invest in tools that anticipate and neutralise threats before they hit employee inboxes . Many businesses put their stock in email security awareness training , and while this is useful , it should be the last line of defence , not the first . The key is to stop attacks from ever reaching their intended victims .
As email continues to serve as a primary attack vector , CISOs and security teams must adopt new technologies and foster a culture of continuous improvement to avoid falling victim to the next wave of email-based attacks .
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