In a recent study conducted by email security provider EasyDMARC, it has been revealed that there has been a concerning rise in suspicious email activity. The research shows that the frequency of emails being marked as suspicious by email authentication techniques like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM has significantly increased, with a notable 75% rise in the first six months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2021. Additionally, EasyDMARC flagged a significant number of emails per domain as potential threats, indicating the growing threat of phishing and spoofing emails. As the threat continues to evolve, it is crucial for businesses to adopt security protocols and tools to protect themselves from these cyber attacks.
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Research reveals alarming rise in suspicious email activity
Email security provider, EasyDMARC, has conducted research that reveals a concerning increase in suspicious email activity. The research analyzes the frequency of emails marked as suspicious using email authentication techniques like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM. The findings indicate a significant rise in identified threats, with 17.73% of emails flagged as suspicious in the first half of 2023, compared to 10.21% in the first half of 2021. This marks a notable 75% increase in suspicious email activity. Additionally, the research projects that one in five emails will be marked as suspicious by the end of 2023.
EasyDMARC findings on potential threats
EasyDMARC’s research also delves into the number of flagged emails per domain. In the first half of 2022, EasyDMARC flagged 16,298 emails per domain as potential threats, and this number rose by 24% to 20,210 in 2023. This increase in flagged emails further emphasizes the growing threat of suspicious email activity. The research highlights the impact of Gmail and Yahoo on DMARC protocols, with these providers set to enforce stricter DMARC protocols for mass email senders in February 2024. It is anticipated that other email providers may follow suit to combat the rising tide of phishing and spoofing emails.
DMARC software intercepts growing number of phishing emails
The research from EasyDMARC also reveals a rise in the number of phishing emails intercepted by DMARC software. From January 2022 to November 2023, the proportion of intercepted emails increased by over 7.5%. DMARC, which stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance, is a standard that automatically flags and removes inbound emails that impersonate sender domains to prevent phishing and spoofing attempts. Between January and June 2022, over 250 million out of 2.5 billion emails were flagged as domain impersonation attempts. By the same period in 2023, this number had risen to over 769 million out of a total of 4.34 billion emails, representing a 75% increase. The research predicts that this percentage will continue to rise, reaching around 20% by the end of 2023.
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The pressing need for effective security solutions
The prevalence of phishing and cyber attacks, which are constantly increasing in complexity, has become a cause for concern. The average cost of a cyber attack globally stands at $4.45 million, highlighting the financial impact of such attacks. Furthermore, the average click rate on phishing campaigns in 2021 was 17.8%. These statistics underline the urgent need for simple and effective security solutions to protect individuals and organizations from cyber threats. The importance of implementing robust security measures and protocols cannot be overstated in safeguarding sensitive information.
EasyDMARC CEO emphasizes need for action
Gerasim Hovhannisyan, CEO and co-founder of EasyDMARC, stresses the effectiveness of the impersonation tactic used by cybercriminals to bypass cyber defenses. The research findings indicate a 70% proportional increase in potentially malicious emails, highlighting the need for immediate action by businesses. Hovhannisyan emphasizes the importance of verifying sender identities as a crucial step towards protecting against phishing attempts. He urges companies to adopt protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and encourages a combined effort of vigilance, training, and utilizing the right tools to combat this growing threat.
Okta to acquire Spera Security for identity threat detection enhancement
In other cybersecurity news, identity management company Okta has announced its intended acquisition of Spera Security. This acquisition aims to enhance Okta’s capabilities in detecting identity-based threats. By integrating Spera Security’s technology into its existing identity management solutions, Okta aims to provide enhanced protection against identity threats, further strengthening cybersecurity measures for organizations.
Palo Alto Networks strengthens cybersecurity with Talon acquisition
In a move to bolster its cybersecurity offerings, Palo Alto Networks, a leader in network security, has acquired Talon, a company specializing in cloud security. This acquisition will enable Palo Alto Networks to provide comprehensive security solutions for organizations operating in cloud environments. By integrating Talon’s expertise into its existing portfolio, Palo Alto Networks aims to address the evolving cybersecurity challenges faced by businesses.
ZTE Corporation unveils Cybersecurity White Paper 2023
ZTE Corporation, a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, has recently published its Cybersecurity White Paper 2023. This white paper provides insights into the current cybersecurity landscape and offers recommendations for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity practices. By raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and providing actionable guidelines, ZTE Corporation aims to assist organizations in fortifying their defenses against cyber threats.
Cyber and digital risks cause concern, but GenAI presents opportunities
While cyber and digital risks continue to be a source of concern for individuals and organizations, the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents opportunities for addressing these challenges. By harnessing the power of AI, innovative solutions can be developed to detect and respond to cyber threats effectively. AI-powered technologies have the potential to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and detect anomalies, thus enabling proactive cybersecurity measures. While cyber threats evolve, advancements in AI offer promising avenues for strengthening cybersecurity defenses.
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