It’s hard to imagine life without email. While it first became a mainstream technology several decades ago, it is still among the most ubiquitous tools in today’s business environment. The most popular offerings are from Microsoft and Google. These platforms offer a suite of productivity tools that organizations rely on daily, but their native security features often leave much to be desired. In an era where phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and other email-based attacks are rampant, relying solely on these built-in protections could be a costly mistake.
Common vulnerabilities in providers’ email services
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent threats today, exploiting the trust users place in services like Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace. Cybercriminals leverage these platforms to launch sophisticated phishing campaigns, using the legitimate infrastructure of these providers to hide or obfuscate their malicious activities. For instance, attackers often impersonate Microsoft or Google to trick users into handing over their credentials. Once compromised, these credentials can grant attackers access to a treasure trove of sensitive information stored in cloud services.
Another significant vulnerability lies in the implicit trust users have in emails that appear to come from within their organization. For example, if a cybercriminal gains access to an Office 365 account, they can send emails that appear to be from a trusted colleague, making it more likely the recipient will fall for the scam. This type of attack, known as business email compromise (BEC), often results in significant financial loss, as seen in cases where attackers impersonate executives to authorize fraudulent transactions.
Why are Microsoft and Google email services prime targets?
The massive market share of Microsoft and Google makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals. With millions of users relying on these services daily, attackers have ample opportunities to test and refine their methods. Moreover, the trust users place in these well-known brands only adds to their appeal as targets. Cybercriminals know that if they can breach one of these platforms, they have access to a vast user base that is likely to trust any communication coming from a legitimate-looking email.
Attackers also exploit the wide range of applications integrated into these platforms. For instance, within Office 365, users interact with multiple applications such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Dynamics. Cybercriminals can easily disguise malicious content as part of these trusted applications, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks.
The insufficiency of native security features
One of the main issues with relying on native security features is their overall efficacy. These features were not originally designed with robust security in mind but rather had security measures added as an afterthought. For example, Office 365’s security capabilities have been bolted onto the platform rather than being a foundational element. This bolted-on security approach often leaves gaps that cybercriminals can exploit. The constant flow of vulnerabilities, such as those addressed in Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday updates, highlights the ongoing struggle to secure these platforms effectively.
Organizations that rely solely on native email security features are gambling with their data, finances, and reputation. The consequences of a successful breach can be severe. And once an attacker gains access to an email account, they can use it as a launchpad for further attacks—affecting not only the compromised organization but also its partners, clients, and customers.
The case for enhanced email security
Businesses must recognize the importance of investing in advanced email security solutions that can provide the protection necessary to defend against the increasingly complex tactics employed by cybercriminals.
By taking proactive steps to enhance email security, businesses can better protect themselves from the risks of phishing, BEC, and other email-based threats. Failing to do so could result in significant financial losses, compromised data, and long-term damage to their reputation. Don’t let the convenience of native email services lull you into a false sense of security—invest in robust email protection with Mimecast to safeguard your organization. Learn more at mimecast.com.