Email remains a prime target for cybercriminals, prompting organisations to re-evaluate their security strategies.
With the rise of integrated cloud email security (ICES) solutions, many are questioning the need for traditional secure email gateways (SEGs) in a Microsoft 365 world.
Email Security Remains a Critical Concern
The Forbes 2023 State of Workplace Communication report highlights the enduring popularity of email as the most favoured digital communication tool. Statista predicts that a staggering 361.6 billion emails will be sent daily in 2024, a number that's expected to grow year on year.
However, this reliance on email makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. A recent survey of 500 cybersecurity leaders found that 94% of organisations had experienced an email security incident in the past 12 months.
The Human Element: A Persistent Weakness
The vast majority of these incidents, including phishing attacks and data loss, exploit human error. Whether it's clicking on a seemingly legitimate link or accidentally attaching the wrong document, users remain susceptible to making mistakes. The Verizon Data Breach 2023 report highlighted the human element's involvement in 74% of all breaches, underscoring the importance of email security solutions that account for human vulnerability.
The Evolution of Email Security
SEGs, traditionally the first line of defense, have historically relied on signature-based and reputation-based detection to filter incoming and outgoing emails. While effective against known threats, SEGs struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of cyberattacks.
The Rise of Integrated Cloud Email Security (ICES)
ICES solutions, powered by machine learning and AI-driven behavioral analysis, are emerging as a powerful alternative to traditional SEGs. They can effectively detect and prevent sophisticated attacks, including zero-day threats, polymorphic attacks, and socially engineered emails.
Microsoft 365: A Contender in Email Security
Microsoft's native email security within its 365 platform has significantly evolved, offering SEG-like capabilities in its Exchange Online Protection (EOP). This has led to a debate about the need for both SEGs and Microsoft 365, particularly given the overlap in their functionality.
The Future of Email Security: A Multi-Layered Approach
While some organisations are opting to eliminate SEGs due to feature duplication with Microsoft 365, others may retain them for specific functionalities like archiving or journaling. Ultimately, the best approach depends on an organisation's specific needs, budget, and risk tolerance.
A layered approach, combining SEGs, Microsoft 365, and ICES solutions, is often the most robust defense strategy. This approach provides comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats, ensuring adaptability and resilience in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The debate around SEGs and the future of email security continues, but one thing is clear: ICES solutions play a crucial role in building a strong and adaptable security posture in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats.