There is no doubt that email is a widely used communication medium on the web today, but it is also a significant security threat. However, with the passage of time, they perfect their attacks and adapt to current times. In this article, we are going to talk about how attacks against e-mail are evolving in 2021. A way to be prepared to avoid cyberattacks.
How email attacks are evolving
Through email, a hacker could carry out many different strategies to steal information, passwords, include the victim in Spam campaigns or compromise the computer in some way. As we have indicated, they usually adapt to current circumstances and thus achieve their objective.
More attacks against companies
One of those most obvious changes is that they are not focused so much on private and home users, but also on companies . Today any organization has different email accounts for its workers, sections, etc.
It must be taken into account that not all workers will have the same level of preparedness against attacks of this type. Hence it is a target of hackers.
They use Covid-19 as bait
This issue has been very present in recent months and it will also be during this year. Hackers use the theme of the Covid-19 pandemic to infect victims’ computers.
They use email to send emails that may be a threat and use messages related to the coronavirus. Especially in companies, they can send an e-mail with a supposed document with the new measures to take into account, but in reality it is a threat, for example.
Easier attacks to launch
The way in which cybercriminals manage to launch their attacks has also changed. There is a lot of information of this kind on the Internet. Today they can purchase kits on the Dark Web ready to execute their attacks without the need for extensive knowledge.
Campaigns against popular platforms
It is undoubtedly also changing the organizations where they send attacks or those they use to attack. We can mention some very popular platforms today and that have increased in recent months. For example Netflix . They bait users to steal passwords or compromise systems in some way.
How to protect ourselves from email attacks
It is important that we are protected at all times to prevent email attacks. It is essential not to make mistakes that could damage the proper functioning of the equipment, that allow intruders to steal our passwords and personal information. You must also always observe the e-mail security standards.
One of the most important tips that we must take into account is the need to always keep common sense in mind. In this way we can avoid clicking on malicious links and downloading hidden malware in files we receive, for example.
Security programs will also be essential. A good antivirus can prevent the entry of malicious software. It is something that we must apply to all types of equipment and operating systems.
But another issue that we should not overlook is the need to have the systems properly updated . There are many vulnerabilities that can occur. Cybercriminals could take advantage of these flaws to attack. Hence the importance of installing all kinds of patches.