Beyond Email Filters: Enhancing Your Cybersecurity Strategy

In an era where email phishing and cyberattacks are increasingly sophisticated, many people believe that having a robust email filter provides a comprehensive shield against threats. While these filters are invaluable tools in the fight against cybercrime, relying solely on them is a precarious approach. Scammers are continually evolving their tactics, often managing to bypass even the most advanced systems. Additionally, phishing attacks are no longer confined to email. Scammers are increasingly using multiple channels—such as social media, SMS (smishing), and phone calls (vishing)—to reach their targets. Multi-channel phishing attacks are becoming more common and sophisticated which means that users need to be vigilant across all communication channels.

To fortify your defences and safeguard your digital assets, it’s essential to adopt a multi-layered security strategy that goes beyond just email filtering.

1. Keep Your Security Software Up to Date

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field, with new threats emerging almost daily. One of the most critical steps in maintaining robust protection is ensuring that your security software is always up to date. This includes not just your antivirus software, but also firewalls, anti-malware tools, and any other cybersecurity solutions you employ.

Moreover, consider that the cybersecurity landscape is dynamic, with different solutions evolving over time. Switching brands or solutions periodically might help you benefit from the latest advancements and techniques. This approach ensures that you are not relying on a single vendor’s technology indefinitely, which could become outdated or less effective.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides some guidelines to consider when evaluating software suppliers.

2. Understand the Limits of Email Filters

While email filters are essential for blocking many phishing attempts and malicious emails, they are not fool proof. No single tool can provide complete protection and scammers are adept at crafting messages that bypass filters through sophisticated techniques such as social engineering and zero-day exploits. Acknowledging this limitation is key. Understand that no system can guarantee 100% security. Instead, consider these filters as part of a broader, more comprehensive security strategy rather than a standalone solution.

3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to an account. This typically involves something you know (like a password), something you have (like a smartphone app that generates a code), or something you are (biometric verification).

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) strongly recommends MFA as a fundamental security practice (CISA). MFA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access, even if a password is compromised.

4. Conduct Phishing Simulations

Regular phishing simulations  can be an effective way to test and improve your organisation’s resilience to phishing attacks. By simulating real-world phishing scenarios, you can assess how well employees recognise and respond to phishing attempts. According to a study by KnowBe4, organisations that conduct regular phishing simulations see a notable reduction in the number of successful phishing attacks (KnowBe4).

These simulations should be part of a broader training program that includes educating employees on how to handle suspicious messages and what steps to take if they believe they’ve encountered a phishing attempt.

In summary, while email filters are valuable components of your cybersecurity toolkit, they are not a complete solution. To enhance your protection, ensure that your security software is consistently updated and consider evolving your solutions as technology advances. Acknowledge the limitations of email filters and be proactive in addressing multi-channel phishing threats. Implement multi-factor authentication and conduct regular phishing simulations and staff training to bolster your defences.

By adopting a multi-faceted approach and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, you can better shield yourself from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. For more information on maintaining effective cybersecurity practices, you can visit resources from NIST, CISA, and KnowBe4.