The Threat of Data Loss
The threat of sensitive data loss is an increasing problem worldwide. We are constantly asked by prospective customers “Why email security is important?” It’s very simple… we live in a world that makes us very vulnerable to online predators, who seek every day to steal our identities, account numbers, social security numbers, and many other various forms of sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
The scary part is that traditional email is never deleted from unsecured servers, unlike Secure Email or our Encrypted Email for Outlook. This is why it is the responsibility of every business to protect themselves, their clients, and their employees’ sensitive PII.
Sadly, we encounter many businesses every single day that initially ask us the same question about email importance but still lack the decision to add secure email to their data security infrastructure. As one of the top secure email providers in the country, we do our best to educate every business on the consequences of what can happen when you choose to send sensitive emails via an unsecured email system.
The Rising Surge of Phishing Threats Online
Phishing is a type of social engineering designed to trick a user into clicking on malicious links often leading to harmful software being installed on the person’s computer. Phishing attempts can also mimic legitimate websites or emails and mislead a user into filling out personal information.
Phishing emails are responsible for over 91% of online attacks, persistence and priority are the main factors why employees keep falling for these hoaxes and you could be next if you’re not careful. Online scammers are using psychological techniques to manipulate our emotions resulting in millions of people becoming vulnerable to phishing attempts.
The best line of defense against phishing attempts is to use a Secure Email Service like NeoCertified. A Secure Email Gateway will help filter out malicious emails flooding your inbox and protect you against harmful software. You can also use a data loss prevention solution (DLP) which can help reduce, identify, and remove phishing emails from your email application inbox.
Built-In Security Software May Not Be Enough
Your standard built-in security software such as Norton AntiVirus or Microsoft security settings will help protect you from phishing attacks however they may not be enough. Other security practices such as Zero-Day Malware, a signature-based detection of malicious software, won’t be able to protect or recognize a vulnerability in your computer’s operating system, leading to hackers exploiting sensitive data and potentially causing corporate network infections.
Preventing Cyber-Crime
Preventing cyber-crime is far easier to accomplish by adopting the services and behaviors needed to prevent the fastest-growing criminal activity in the world. With a computer and internet connection, a cybercriminal has all the tools needed to steal anyone’s general emails.
“Authorities are starting to realize the dangers of cyber security & online theft! This is why email security is so important.”
Authorities have realized the dangers of such massive fraud and theft problems. Currently, there are federal and state agencies that monitor and impose major fines and penalties upon companies that fail to protect PII.
HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, is a federal law that aims to monitor and protect the unlawful disclosure of health information across the United States. There are currently five rules that enforce the privacy and protection of patient health information which include (1) the Privacy Rule, (2) Transactions and Code Sets Rule, (3) the Security Rule, (4) the Unique Identifiers Rule, and (5) the Enforcement Rule. To read more about the Rules and compliance requirements of HIPAA click here.
These are just a few of the reasons Why Encrypted Email is Necessary. If you would like more information on the importance of email security or about how to best protect both yourself and your company, please contact us.
