Introduction
Email remains one of the most targeted attack vectors in cybersecurity. From phishing scams to sophisticated business email compromise (BEC) operations, attackers exploit human trust and technical gaps to infiltrate networks. For cyber operators and IT professionals, email security is a high-priority battleground where layered defenses, user awareness, and proactive monitoring can mean the difference between a blocked attempt and a costly breach.
The Do’s of Email Security
- Implement Advanced Email Filtering
Use AI-driven filters to detect phishing, spoofing, and malware-laden attachments. - Deploy DMARC, DKIM, and SPF Protocols
Authenticate sender identities and prevent domain spoofing. - Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Email Access
Stops account takeovers even if credentials are stolen. - Provide Regular Phishing Awareness Training
Simulated phishing exercises help users recognize suspicious emails. - Encrypt Sensitive Email Communications
Use S/MIME or PGP to protect confidential messages in transit.
The Don’ts of Email Security
- Don’t Click Links from Unknown Senders
Even harmless-looking URLs can lead to credential theft or malware. - Don’t Disable Spam Filters
Attackers thrive when security controls are bypassed. - Don’t Share Personal or Corporate Data via Unsecured Email
Always use encryption or secure portals for sensitive data. - Don’t Trust “Urgent” Requests Without Verification
Social engineering often uses urgency to bypass rational checks. - Don’t Ignore Suspicious Login Alerts
Immediate investigation can prevent full account compromise.
Pro Tips from the Field
- Leverage Threat Intelligence Feeds: Integrate with email gateways to block known malicious domains instantly.
- Quarantine Suspicious Attachments: Sandbox file attachments before delivery to end users.
- Adopt “Report Phish” Buttons: Make it easy for employees to flag suspect emails.
- Review Email Logs Daily: Early detection of anomalies can stop BEC attempts.
- Implement Outbound Email Scanning: Prevent sensitive data exfiltration through email channels.
Case Study: Defeating a BEC Attempt in a Manufacturing Company
A medium-sized manufacturing firm detected an attempted BEC attack targeting its finance department.
Do’s applied: DMARC was enabled, MFA protected access to mailboxes, and phishing simulations had trained employees to verify payment requests.
Don’ts avoided: No links were clicked without verification, and suspicious email alerts were acted upon immediately.
Outcome: The fraudulent wire transfer was blocked before funds left the account.
Conclusion
Email security is a shared responsibility between technology and human vigilance. By applying the do’s, avoiding the don’ts, and implementing pro tips, cyber operators can protect their organizations from phishing, spoofing, and BEC threats.