How important is cloud email security?

Pranav Kumar
|
December 27, 2022

The way we use email has changed dramatically over the years. It's no longer just a way to send communication. Email phishing attacks have been rising at an alarming rate. Organisations globally invariably depend on email platforms to communicate, collaborate, and even store information. As billions of emails are exchanged daily, hackers constantly look for vulnerabilities, waging data attacks without announcing them. Attacks can easily pass through the weak membranes of email networks through malicious links, viruses, and insecure attachments. This means it's more important than ever to ensure that your employees use a secure email platform. Many organisations have already made a move to cloud-hosted email, and many have started deploying cloud email security integration.

There are several ways hackers can bypass your perimeter defenses and target your cloud-based email:

  • They can attack your network directly and steal sensitive data from within it, including passwords and login credentials for accessing cloud accounts.
  • They can also use social engineering tactics—like phishing emails or malware—to trick employees into downloading malicious software that gives them access to the corporate network.
  • Hackers can also leverage zero-day exploits, which means they find vulnerabilities in software before those vulnerabilities have been patched by vendors like Microsoft or Google (and sometimes even before they've been discovered by those vendors). This allows hackers to gain access to systems without any obstacles standing in their way whatsoever!

Cloud email is a great way to keep your business organised, but it's not without its drawbacks. You must be aware of the risks of cloud email and how to mitigate them. There are several advanced tools and techniques you can use to secure your cloud email. 

Setting up two-factor authentication : 

 It will keep hackers out of your personal data because it requires them to have both your password and their device (which means they'd have to get into your phone).

Use a password manager :

Create strong passwords for all your accounts, then set them up so that they're automatically changed every few months. 

Whitelisting :

Form a list of approved senders. When a message comes from someone on that list, it is delivered immediately. If the sender isn't on the whitelist, it is rejected. 

Encryption :

Encryption uses an algorithm that scrambles data so that only authorised parties can read it. Encryption will protect your email messages from being intercepted and read by unauthorised people.

Deploying proactive cloud email security solution :

Why just depend on usual contingency methods when there is so much at stake?

There is a highly intuitive, secure cloud email gateway that stays ahead of threats and fights them before they intrude into your network. Mimecast is one such advanced tool for secure cloud email. It is an advanced cloud email security solution that provides Email Gateway, a multi-layered detection engine that identifies threats like spear-phishing, zero-day attacks, malware and spam before they reach your network.

Before we jump into the benefits of cloud email security solutions, let us quickly understand what exactly it is.

Cloud email security solutions are secure email platforms that prevent phishing scams that trick users into divulging privileged information. The platforms, hosted by the cloud email security vendor, also ensure emails containing links to malicious sites or trigger malware downloads are blocked before reaching the end user.

Here are some features of Mimecast cloud email security that are worth knowing about. 

  • It stops known and sophisticated email threats before they enter your network and will increase security and system performance.
  • Uses a single email cloud platform and regularly updated threat intelligence, simplifying cloud email security.
  • With better visibility and centralised control, your administrators can implement cloud email security policies throughout the entire enterprise.
  • Helps to gain visibility into the flow of emails across your organisation

Takeaway : 

As the world's economy grows, cloud technology will be adopted by more and more businesses worldwide. Those who use cloud email platforms must be aware of the latest developments and new attacks to ensure they are adequately protecting their data online. The old saying goes, "if you don't keep up with technology, you get left behind". Stay caught up; secure your emails with a cloud-based email security solution today, even though you will find many email security solutions available in the market.

Mimecast all-in-one solution for cloud email security is one your business needs. Get in touch to know more.

Pranav Kumar

Excited about digital disruption and exponential impact of emerging technologies; I have a deep passion for technology, business, and progress. I envision a future where an intellectual and responsible use of technology will positively change the future of work, and life.