Cybersecurity should be a priority for any business owner. With so much commerce and communication conducted through the exchange of emails, cybercriminals often target these systems to uncover proprietary information, expose trade secrets, or disrupt operations. An IT support professional will be an indispensable ally in maintaining security safeguards. Here’s what you should know about some of the greatest risks posed by email.

A Guide to Common Email Cybersecurity Risks

1. Malware

Malware is any purposely malicious software that compromises the integrity of a system. Most malware types, such as viruses, Trojan horses, and worms, are downloaded when a link in an email is clicked or an attached file is opened. Malware can instigate wide-ranging damage, including reformatting hard drives, destroying files, and stealing sensitive information, all of which require an IT support professional to remedy.

2. Spoofing

Spoofing involves a cybercriminal sending emails under your own address as the sender. It’s a favorite tactic for launching malware attacks and for gaining sensitive information from unwitting recipients. Once a spoofing attack takes hold, they are extremely difficult to trace.

2. Phishing

With phishing attacks, cybercriminals masquerade as a reputable business, sending out emails to recipients under that guise. They’ll use legitimate-looking logos, images, and phrases to fool receivers into thinking an email is valid. Phishing emails typically contain links to sites that ask for credit card numbers and passwords, which if divulged, give attackers access to steal identities, empty accounts, and more.

Protect your business from email security dangers by hiring an IT support expert. NextStep Networking has been serving the Greater Columbus, Greater Dayton, and Greater Cincinnati, OH, areas since 1986. They offer IT support designed to defend and streamline your business operations. Their IT solutions include network services, consulting, and hardware sales. Call (513) 792-3400 to learn more, or visit them online for a snapshot of their business services.