New Warning Issued As 30 Dangerous Emails Used In Hack Attacks
Malicious email comprises 25% of your daily inbox. What’s the most dangerous thing you do every day at your computer or smartphone? For most people, I would argue, the answer is checking your emails.
The likes of Microsoft have introduced strict new email rules for Outlook users, following in the footsteps of Google doing likewise for those using Gmail. It’s not surprising given that attackers use email as a conduit to password and 2FA code theft, and the FBI is now warning people not to click on anything.
A Shocking New Report Reveals the True Extent of Email Threats
Now a shocking new report has revealed the true extent to which the communication threat extends, with a staggering 30 malicious emails a day arriving on average. This brings into focus the dark world of email threats that we often take for granted.
400 Million Dangerous Emails – 30 Threats Every Day In Your Inbox
In March, I reported that threat analysts working at Hornet Security had confirmed its customers were subject to an astonishing 427.8 million dangerous emails during 2024 alone. And that’s just one security organization reporting on its own customer base.
The latest Barracuda email threats report, published April 28, doesn’t paint a brighter picture, truth be told. If anything, the new analysis just brings the risk your emails present into a brighter light to illuminate the darkness of the email threat landscape.
Key Takeaways from the Report
Given that, on average, an individual receives some 121 emails each and every day, that equates to around 30 dangerous emails that you need to protect against. The key takeaways from the report highlight the problem by the numbers.
Malicious email attachments, QR codes and URLs are used by attackers to distribute malware, launch phishing campaigns and exploit vulnerabilities. These threats require immediate attention to ensure the security of your personal and professional life.
The Failure of Organizations to Implement Email Security
The failure of organisations to implement DMARC protections, which would otherwise make it much harder for attackers to impersonate their brand and implement fraudulent attacks using malicious emails, isn’t helping. The lack of email security awareness is a major issue that needs urgent attention.
“Organizations need to mitigate the risks by implementing best practice industry standards and adopting a multi-layered approach to email security,” Olesia Klevchuk, product marketing director for email protection at Barracuda, said. “Leveraging AI-driven threat detection to spot attacks hidden in attachments and malicious websites.”
Protecting Yourself from Email Threats
The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself from these threats. By being aware of the risks and taking preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to email attacks.
Stay vigilant, keep your software up-to-date, and never click on suspicious links or attachments. Implementing robust email security measures at both individual and organizational levels is crucial in this digital age.