Email Security Is Critical for Businesses not only in UAE but across the globe.
Businesses in the UAE need to give cybersecurity a higher priority than ever in the modern digital environment. World sees Dubai as one of the highly developed and technology hubs.
Businesses must ensure they have up-to-date security software and a robust IT system due to the constant dangers they face. As one of the most widely used tools for communication, email is also one of the most susceptible to hacking. This tutorial will assist you in comprehending the primary risks to email security and how to safeguard your company from them.
Typical Risks to Email Security
Recognizing the dangers is the first step toward safeguarding your company. The following are the most typical dangers to email security that you should be aware of:
1. Employee Error: Employees frequently inadvertently breach security by clicking on harmful links in spam emails or sending private communications to the incorrect recipient. A few years ago, human mistake was the cause of 90% of data breaches, according to a research.
2. Email Hacks: Email servers are generally less secure than other types of servers, making them attractive targets for hackers. This is particularly true for businesses that frequently send emails to external servers. The UAE Cybersecurity Council has highlighted email as a major vulnerability in its reports.
3. Viruses: Viruses can enter your server through spam emails or emails from seemingly harmless senders. A single click on a malicious link or attachment can infect your entire system. In 2021, the UAE faced an increase in cyber threats, with a significant portion being email-based viruses.
4. Phishing: Scammers often send emails pretending to be legitimate organizations, asking for sensitive information like financial records or credit card numbers. The UAE saw 35 thousand cyber-attacks in various cyber attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
Steps to Increase Email Security
To protect your business from these threats, take the following steps:
1. Managed IT Support
Your email security can be significantly enhanced by using a managed IT service provider. These specialized professionals keep an eye on and manage your servers, ensuring that they are secure. According to Gartner, by 2020, 60% of digital businesses will experience major service failures as a result of IT security teams’ incapacity to manage digital risk. In addition, in accordance to another survey, 72% of the businesses using managed IT services in 2020 said they had reduced security issues.
2. Employee Training
It is essential that staff receive regular training. Teach employees how to spot fraudulent emails and what to do in the event that they get one. Organizations who regularly conducted security awareness training reported a 70% decrease in phishing assaults, per a survey published by the SANS Institute.
3. Software Updates
Make sure your software is up-to-date at all times. Security upgrades aim to address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Businesses should prioritize software updates as part of their cybersecurity plan, according to the UAE Cyber Security Council.
Best Practices for Email Security
Implementing best practices can further enhance your email security. Here are some tips:
1. Use Strong Passwords
Ascertain that each employee sets a strong, distinct password for their email address. Passwords ought to consist of a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and have a minimum length of 12 characters. Changing passwords on a regular basis lowers the chance of unwanted access, according to the TDRA.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
An additional layer of security is added with two-factor authentication. A hacker would still want a second form of identity, like a code texted to your phone, in order to access your account, even if they managed to get their hands on your password. According to Google, 2FA stops 96% of mass phishing attempts.
3. Regularly Back Up Data
Consistent backups guarantee the security of your data in the event that your email server is compromised. Backups should be kept offsite in a safe place. Businesses should periodically test their backups to make sure they can be recovered in case of emergency, urges the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Conclusion: Prioritizing Email Security
Email security is a crucial aspect of your overall cybersecurity strategy. By understanding common threats and implementing these protective measures, you can safeguard your business from potential email-based attacks. This will allow you to focus on growth and innovation, rather than constantly dealing with security breaches. Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive measures.
By taking email security seriously, you can protect your business from the increasing number of cyber threats targeting companies in the UAE. Invest in managed IT support, regularly train your employees, keep your software updated, and follow best practices to ensure your email communications remain secure. Connect us at +971 4 3955 877 or write to us at leads@tls-it.com.
