Author: EES

As online communication becomes increasingly necessary for any company to flourish, an e-mail will be a significant security problem in certain instances in 2023. In fact, e-mail security risks, such as whale phishing, whaling, and ransomware, are already rising at an alarming pace nowadays. Cyber threats have become paramount issues for both big and small businesses, and consequently, they must develop methods to mitigate increasing issues with e-mail security.

Since more than 90% of cyber-attacks are started by e-mail because the weakest link in the security chain is e-mail, an infringement of security may negatively affect the image of either the consumer or the business. However, combating attacks by hackers requires a multi-layered e-mail security procedure. One issue is that e-mail is not a protected communication medium by default.

13 Email Security Risks in 2023 and Their Solutions

1- Spoofing and Phishing

E-mail spoofing happens when a cybercriminal sends an e-mail to a user masquerading as someone the user knows. Phishing is another hazardous method to mislead customers into giving cybercriminals personal data like bank accounts or social security numbers. 

E-mail spoofing to the original sender is easy to accomplish and hard to trace. Cybercriminals sometimes add pictures and trademarks that seem more genuine and authentic. They even create a connection that appears natural. It leads users to a fake website, though.

As spoofing and phishing are two of the most common types of Email threats, customers need to be informed of the accessible anti-phishing solutions.

2- Domain’s Squatting

Squatting is registering, selling, or using a domain name to profit from another party’s brand. Consequently, companies and their customers may become targets for domain squatting.

To address domain squatting, monitor domain name registrations (demark registrations and domain auction sites). Also, take legal action against domain squatters using domain names that are similar or identical to your trademarks or brands. 

3- Dangerous Files

If harmful information is received from the user via an email attachment, it may take over the whole computer system and network. Dangerous files, such as malware or viruses, can be sent through email as attachments, links, or even embedded within the body of the email. These files can compromise email security, infect systems and steal data. 

To guarantee an efficient solution, these files must be examined using an anti-virus and behavioural analysis program based on signatures. Use file extension blocking to prevent dangerous file types from being sent through email. Blocking file types include .exe, .bat, and .jar.

4- Vulnerabilities in E-mail Security

Vulnerabilities in e-mail services induced by provider misconfigurations need to be identified. When exploiting e-mail vulnerabilities, they penetrate the target system, expose information, and make it inaccessible. It is important to take a comprehensive and proactive approach to address vulnerabilities in email security.

Conducting Email security assessments to highlight email security issues can be helpful such as vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and risk assessments. 

5- Crypto-Ransomware 

Crypto ransomware encrypts a user’s files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. This attack can seriously affect email security and result in data loss or financial damage.

To address crypto-ransomware, backup data regularly to a separate location not connected to the network. Use access controls to restrict access to important files and data. This can include implementing strong password policies, two-factor authentication, and least privilege access. A ransom must be paid once infected to unlock all encrypted data. In this respect, the e-mail security services must be strengthened, and the analytical services must be expected to detect and avoid ranking-specific behaviours.

6- Configuration Errors 

This is a pervasive security problem. A poorly configured e-mail service may lead to a big issue by enabling e-mail to be delivered without authentication. For example, a cybercriminal without authentication access to your e-mail service may send a random email to one of your employees. A cybercriminal who embodies the CEO may be more likely to succeed.

E-mails with known vulnerabilities in the internet browser may lead to identity theft, data leakage, and access problems. Sometimes a link may include an exploited piece of code. In this situation, protection steps must be taken by the e-mail service and security components.

It is important to have proper configuration management practices implemented to prevent configuration errors. This includes documenting configurations, deploying change control processes, and regularly reviewing and testing system configurations to ensure they are up-to-date and functioning as intended. Additionally, ensure that team members responsible for system configurations have the necessary training and expertise to configure the system properly.

7- Browser Exploit Kit 

A browser exploit kit is a software toolkit used to create and distribute malware through vulnerabilities in web browsers. These kits typically contain pre-built exploits to target specific email vulnerabilities and threats in web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

E-mails with known vulnerabilities in the internet browser may lead to identity theft, exposing confidential data, and access problems. Sometimes a link may include an exploited piece of code. Protection steps must be taken by the e-mail service and security components.

When a user visits a compromised Website or clicks on a malicious link, the exploit kit automatically detects the user’s browser and attempts to exploit any known vulnerabilities. Once the exploit is successful, it can download and execute the malware on the user’s computer.

To protect against browser exploit kits, it is important to keep web browsers and plugins up-to-date with the latest security patches. Additionally, users should exercise caution when clicking on links or visiting unfamiliar websites and use antivirus software. Web developers need to follow secure coding practices to help prevent browser exploit kits. 

8- Spear Phishing Attacks and Business E-mail Compromise (BEC)

Both spear phishing and BEC attacks can have serious consequences for individuals and organizations. In addition to financial losses and data breaches, these types of attacks can also damage an organization’s reputation and erode trust with customers and partners.

Another crucial problem is that a cyber thief who circumvents all security measures uses the ignorance of the end-user to attack the system. Because 97% of the world’s population cannot recognize a sophisticated phishing e-mail, users should be regularly informed about hazards via phishing tests, exams, surveys, and games.

To protect against spear phishing and BEC attacks, you must implement strong security measures, such as two-factor authentication and encryption. By remaining vigilant and proactive, individuals and organizations can help avert these types of attacks and mitigate their impact if they do occur.

9- File Format Exploits

File format exploits are a common tactic used by hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in software and gain access to a user’s system. Furthermore, file format weaknesses have become an essential source of information security threats for many corporations. Attackers that exploit these vulnerabilities (these are critical since they frequently impact multiple systems) create malicious files that cause application problems (such as buffer overflows). For example, an attacker may create a malicious PDF file that infects Windows, Macintosh, and Linux systems via an Adobe Acrobat file format vulnerability.

Keep all software and operating systems updated with the latest security patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities in software and reduce the risk of a file format exploit. Moreover, content filtering can help block suspicious file types and prevent them from entering the network. It can include blocking files with macros or other potentially dangerous content.

10- Malware

Cybercriminals use malware to gain unauthorized access to the network, steal sensitive data, or cause other types of damage. Malware includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware which can be delivered to a network via email attachments, malicious websites, or infected software downloads. Once installed, malware can run undetected in the background, collecting critical information or causing destruction to the system.

To protect against malwares, users should be careful when downloading software, opening email attachments, and clicking on links received from unknown sources and installing reputable antivirus software. There should be a regular backup for important data to prevent loss in case of a malware attack.

If a computer is infected with malware, take immediate action to remove it. There’s a need to run antivirus software, restore from a backup or get help from a renowned IT security provider such as Enterprise Engineering Solutions. 

11- Email Bombing

In this cyber-attack, an attacker floods an email inbox with many emails, overwhelming the recipient’s email server and making it unavailable or crashing. It is often conducted by using automated scripts or tools to send a large number of emails to the recipient in a short time. This procedure is usually used to disrupt the functioning of an organization or individual’s network. The attacker targets the email server, and the recipient loses access to their email, disrupting operations.

To avoid email bombing, organizations need to implement email filtering and traffic management systems to detect and block malicious traffic. Some tools are used to help users manage their inboxes, including spam filters and the ability to block specific senders.

Individuals can create rules to automatically filter out unwanted emails or use email providers with strong spam filtering capabilities. Additionally, they should be cautious about sharing their email address online and only provide them to trusted individuals or organizations.

12- Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

It is the type of attack where an attacker intercepts emails between two parties, allowing them to read, modify, or even delete the content of the email. The attacker could also use intercepted emails to steal crucial information (login credentials or financial information). Such attacks can be carried out in several ways, including Wi-Fi spoofing, DNS Spoofing, and Email Hijacking. Users can take several measures to protect against MITM attacks, such as using encryption to protect communications and being cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks. 

Furthermore, organizations can deploy security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, to protect against email hijacking and other types of account compromise. One should also use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and prevent MITM attacks.

13- Weak Passwords

Weak passwords are a major security risk for email accounts. Don’t create a weak password to avoid guessing and other password-hacking techniques. Your password should not be simple or easy to remember, such as “ANYNAME,” “12345,” or “qwerty.”

It is prohibited, as hackers can easily compromise it, allowing them to access the account and misuse personal data, financial information, or confidential business information. To protect against weak passwords, users should follow best practices for password security, such as:

• Create and manage strong passwords for multiple accounts using a password manager.
• Add an extra layer of security to your account with “Two Factor Authentication,” such as a one-time code, fingerprint, or an additional password.
• Use strong passwords (long, complex, difficult to guess)
• A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers.
• Make sure to change passwords after 90 days.

Following these best practices considerably reduces the risk of weak password-related security mishaps.

4 Best Practices for Email Security

Various email security tools and practices help users defend against email security risks. You can use them to detect and prevent email-based threats.

Here are some common security tools and solutions used to prevent security risks:

1. Anti-Spam Filters:
   Anti-spam filters block unsolicited and unwanted emails, such as spam and phishing emails. These filters use algorithms and heuristics to identify and block emails that are likely to be malicious.
2. Anti-Malware Software:
   Anti-malware software is used to detect and remove malware from emails and other files. This software uses signature-based detection, behavior-based detection, and other techniques to identify and eliminate malware.
3. Email Encryption:
   It helps in protecting email communications from interception and avoids any unauthorized access. Moreover, email contents, metadata (sender and recipient information,) and attachments are also protected with this tool.
4. Two-Factor Authentication:
   Two-factor authentication is significantly the best practice if you want to add an extra layer of security to your email accounts. The users are requested to provide a second form of identification besides a password, a one-time code sent on mobile devices, a fingerprint, a smart card, etc.
   By implementing these tools and solutions, users can significantly improve their email security posture and reduce the risk of email-based threats. One of the effective approaches is using these tools to ensure maximum effectiveness against evolving threats.

Conclusion

Email security risks can have serious business consequences, including data loss, financial damage, and reputational harm. However, by understanding the various types of security risks and implementing effective solutions, businesses can reduce the threat of a security breach and minimize the potential damage if it occurs.

It is also important for businesses to stay updated with the latest email security threats and regularly assess and update their security measures to stay ahead of potential risks. By prioritizing security and taking a proactive approach to risk management, businesses can protect their data, finances, and reputation from the potentially devastating consequences of a security breach.

Cybersecurity laws and regulations in the US are essential because they help protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and data breaches. These laws and regulations also provide a framework for organizations to secure their networks and systems. 

Additionally, these cyber laws and regulations help to ensure that companies and individuals are held accountable for any cyber incidents that may occur and that victims of cybercrime have legal recourse. 

All the laws and regulations provide a baseline for protecting sensitive information and critical infrastructure from cyber threats and attacks. However, it’s important to note that some laws and regulations may only apply to specific industries or organizations and that compliance may vary based on the particular situation.

We will cover Federal Cybersecurity Laws and some Cyber Security Laws by State.

Federal Laws and Regulations

Here are federal cybersecurity laws and regulations that businesses need to comply with!

1. Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA)

   The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) is one of the cyber security laws in US passed in 2002. It requires federal agencies to implement security controls to protect their information systems and data.

   They aim to ensure that federal agencies have the necessary measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information they collect, store, and use.

   They also require agencies to establish an information security program that includes regular risk assessments, security testing and evaluations, incident response planning, and continuous monitoring of security controls. It also requires agencies to report their compliance with the law to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

   Also Read: 9 Best Cybersecurity Podcasts to Follow

   FISMA also established the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the primary body responsible for developing security standards and guidelines for federal agencies.

   NIST has published a set of guidelines known as the “NIST Special Publication 800-53,” outlining the security controls federal agencies must implement to comply with FISMA.

2. Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA)

   The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) is a law passed by the United States Congress in 2015 that encourages private companies to share information about cyber threats with the government and provides liability protections for companies that do so.

   CISA aims to improve the sharing of information about cyber threats between the government and private sector to protect critical infrastructure and national security from cyber attacks. It allows private companies to share cyber threat information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies and also enables the government to share cyber threat information with private companies.

   The law also provides liability protections for companies that share information in good faith and intend to protect against cyber threats. It includes provisions for developing information-sharing and analysis organizations (ISAOs) that would facilitate sharing of cyber threat information between the government and private sector.

   The ISAOs are voluntary organizations that private companies or other organizations can create to share cyber threat information among their members. CISA has been criticized by some privacy and civil liberties advocates who claim that the law does not adequately protect personal information and could be used for government surveillance. 

   Various organizations offer cybersecurity consulting services, but choosing the right one can be difficult. EES specializes in helping businesses assess, design, and implement security measures to protect their data, systems, and networks with best-in-class Cyber Security Consulting Services.

Role of Government Agencies

Role of government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

1. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

   The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays a key role in protecting the United States from cyber threats and attacks. The DHS is responsible for protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure, which includes everything from the power grid and financial systems to transportation networks and government buildings.

   One of the DHS’s main responsibilities is coordinating and sharing information about cyber threats with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector. The DHS also works to develop and implement cybersecurity policies, guidelines, and standards to help protect the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.

   The DHS has several key organizations within it that are responsible for different aspects of cybersecurity. The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats and providing real-time situational awareness of the cyber threat landscape. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) protect the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats and provides technical assistance and guidance to other organizations.

   The DHS also plays an important role in incident response and recovery. For example, the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), part of the NCCIC, is responsible for coordinating the response to cyber incidents and providing technical assistance and guidance to organizations affected by cyber attacks.

2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

   The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) plays a key role in protecting the United States from cyber threats and investigating cybercrime. The FBI is responsible for investigating a wide range of cybercrimes, including hacking, online fraud, identity theft, and the distribution of child pornography.

   One of the main responsibilities of the FBI is to investigate cybercrime and bring criminals to justice. The FBI has several specialized units that focus on cybercrime, such as the Cyber Division, which investigates cybercrime and espionage. The FBI also works closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to share information and coordinate investigations.

   The FBI also plays an important role in protecting the United States from cyber threats by providing threat intelligence and warnings to organizations and individuals. The FBI also improves organizations’ cybersecurity posture by providing training and technical assistance.

   The FBI also works with other U.S. agencies and international partners to track and pursue cybercriminals and hackers outside of the U.S. and develop and implement international strategies to combat cybercrime.

   The FBI works with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, the private sector, and international partners to pursue cyber criminals, improve organizations’ cybersecurity posture, and provide threat intelligence and warnings to organizations and individuals.

3. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

   The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats and providing technical assistance and guidance to other organizations.

   CISA’s mission is to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure by enhancing the security and resilience of the cyber ecosystem. This includes working with other government agencies, the private sector, and international partners to identify and mitigate cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

   Some of the key responsibilities of CISA include the following:

   • Identifying and assessing cyber threats to critical infrastructure
   • Providing technical assistance and guidance
   • Coordinating incident response
   • Developing and implementing cybersecurity policies, guidelines, and standards

4. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

   The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce. It was established in 1901 and had its headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland. NIST’s mission is to promote innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology to enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.

   NIST conducts research and provides technical assistance in a wide range of areas, including:

   • Advanced manufacturing
   • Cybersecurity
   • Information technology
   • Material measurement
   • Quantum technology
   • Telecommunications

   NIST also provides industry-standard measurements and standards, such as standard reference materials, standard reference data, and standard reference methods. These standards are used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements in many fields, including science, engineering, and industry.

5. The Government Accountability Office (GAO)

   The Government Accountability Office (GAO) plays a key role in conducting audits and investigations of federal agencies to assess their compliance with federal cybersecurity laws and the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations. This includes their management of cybersecurity risks and threats.

   One of the ways the GAO conducts these audits and investigations is through the use of performance audits. These audits assess the effectiveness and efficiency of government programs and operations. They can focus on cybersecurity issues, such as the adequacy of an agency’s information security controls and incident response plans. The GAO also conducts financial audits of federal agencies, including assessments of their compliance with laws and regulations related to information security and protecting sensitive information.

   The GAO also conducts investigations in response to requests from Congress or other government officials. These investigations can focus on specific cybersecurity issues, such as the adequacy of an agency’s cybersecurity programs or incident response plans.

   By hiring an Expert Cyber Security Consultant from EES, companies can identify their vulnerabilities and weaknesses and take action to mitigate them. Additionally, our services can help companies comply with cybersecurity laws and regulations and implement best practices to protect their sensitive data, systems, and reputation.

State-specific Laws and Regulations

Businesses must be aware of the applicable cyber security laws by state. Many are related to data collection techniques and the requirement to alert customers within specific timelines and ways if data is breached.

1. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

   The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is one of the cyber security laws by state passed in California in 2018. It came into effect on January 1, 2020, and gives California residents certain rights regarding their personal information collected, used, and shared by businesses. These rights include the right to know what personal information is being collected, the right to request that it be deleted, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. 

   The California cybersecurity laws apply to businesses that collect personal information of California residents and meet specific other criteria, such as having annual gross revenues over $25 million, buying or selling personal information, or having the personal information of 50,000 or more California residents.

2. New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS)

   The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) is a state government agency in New York that oversees the regulation and supervision of financial services companies operating in the state. The NYDFS is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to banks, insurance companies, mortgage companies, money transmitters, and other financial service providers. 

   Its mission is to protect consumers and ensure the safety and soundness of the financial services industry in New York. The NYDFS has the authority to issue licenses, conduct examinations of financial institutions, and take enforcement actions against companies that violate laws and regulations. The agency also promotes fair and transparent markets and improves the financial system’s overall stability and security in New York.

3. Other states’ laws and regulations

   In addition to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), several other cyber security laws by state govern the collection, use, and sharing of personal information. Some examples include:

   • The Vermont Data Broker Regulation Act requires data brokers to register with the state, disclose their data collection practices, and allow consumers to opt out of the sale of their personal information.
   • The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act Law regulates the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of biometric information, such as fingerprints or facial scans. It requires companies to obtain informed consent before collecting this information.
   • The Nevada Privacy of Medical Information Act regulates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information and requires companies to implement reasonable security measures to protect this information.
   • The Texas Medical Privacy Act Law regulates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information and sets standards for protecting personal health information.
   • The Washington State Data Privacy Law regulates personal information collection, use, and disclosure. It requires companies to provide clear and conspicuous notice of their data collection practices and to provide a mechanism for consumers to opt out of the sale of their personal information.

   It’s important to note that cyber security laws and regulations regarding data privacy and protection are continuously evolving, and many more state laws and regulations regulate this area, depending on the state. It’s recommended to check all the cyber security laws by state to ensure compliance.

Conclusion

Staying informed about cybersecurity laws in the US is important for several reasons.

1. Compliance

   Businesses must comply with various laws on cyber security, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant fines and penalties.

2. Risk Management:

   Understanding the current laws and regulations can help businesses identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. This includes identifying sensitive data that must be protected and implementing appropriate security controls to protect that data.

3. Reputation and Liability:

   A data breach or cybersecurity incident can damage a business’s reputation and lead to liability lawsuits. Staying informed about laws and regulations can help companies take proactive steps to prevent incidents and respond if they occur.

4. Staying Competitive:

   Businesses knowledgeable about cybersecurity laws and regulations are better equipped to compete in the marketplace. They can demonstrate to customers and partners that they take data protection seriously and have the necessary controls to protect sensitive information.

5. Protecting Customers’ & Employees’ Personal Information:
   

   By staying informed about cyber security laws, businesses can ensure that they are appropriately protecting the personal information of their customers and employees. This includes not only preventing data breaches but also being transparent about data collection practices and providing customers with the ability to control their personal information.

   Given the constantly evolving nature of technology, businesses need to stay updated with cyber laws and regulations. This includes regularly reviewing policies and procedures, participating in training and education programs, and consulting with legal and cybersecurity.