Why email security is so important
Attacks via email are as old as technology itself. But whereas in the past, clumsy phishing attempts could be quickly exposed, today’s attacks are so sophisticated thanks to artificial intelligence that even experts are sweating bullets. “The threat landscape has changed dramatically,” warns Björn Friedrich. “Emails created by AI look more authentic than ever and make it more difficult to detect fraudulent messages.”
Targeted attacks in which hackers pretend to be business partners or superiors in order to steal confidential information or initiate money transfers are particularly perfidious. “Cyber criminals use social engineering in combination with personalized messages to gain trust – and with frightening success.”
The most important protective measures
To arm yourself effectively against email threats, Vectano GmbH recommends a holistic security concept. This includes:
1. spam and malware filters: these detect and block suspicious emails before they are delivered.
2. AI-supported threat detection: Smart algorithms analyze email content in real time and identify potential threats.
3. link and attachment scans: Links are only checked when they are clicked on to prevent subsequent manipulation.
4. authentication mechanisms: processes such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC prevent emails with forged senders from ending up in the inbox.
5. email encryption: Confidential data should always be transmitted in encrypted form.
6. backup and archiving solutions: Important emails should be stored securely and backed up regularly.
Security as a managed service
More and more companies are turning to managed services to optimize their IT security. “Our customers benefit from an all-round protection package that includes all relevant security measures,” says Friedrich. The big advantage: instead of having to invest heavily in security technology and specialist personnel themselves, companies receive a professional solution for a fixed monthly fee.
The response has been consistently positive. “Many companies now realize that IT security is not a luxury, but an essential investment in their future. Anyone who still believes that they are not being targeted by cyber criminals is being grossly negligent.”
Employee training as the key to security
In addition to technical protective measures, the human factor also plays a decisive role. “Even the best security system won’t help if employees react carelessly to fraudulent emails,” explains Björn. Vectano therefore relies on regular awareness training, in which employees learn to recognize suspicious emails and handle sensitive information securely.
Simulated phishing campaigns are also carried out to raise awareness of the dangers. “Many employees are amazed at how convincing some scams are. But it is precisely through this training that they improve their ability to react and can protect their company from real attacks.”
