Email remains the number one entry point for cyber attacks - here's how to defend against it!
Email remains the most common attack surface for cyber security. That's why Secure Email Gateway (SEG) solutions play a key role in enterprise protection.
But what exactly does this mean?
What is a Secure Email Gateway?
The Secure Email Gateway is a layer of protection that filters dangerous emails before they reach users' inboxes. It uses machine learning, pattern-based detection and behavioural analysis to identify threats such as:
- phishing emails
- malicious attachments (malware),
- spam (junk mail),
- and sophisticated attacks such as Business Email Compromise (BEC).
- Although similar in principle to Secure Web Gateway, which protects web traffic, SEG is specifically designed to secure email communications.
How does a SEG protect the organisation?
Modern SEG systems support security with the following key features:
Checking incoming email traffic
All incoming SMTP traffic is scanned before it reaches the recipient.
Email hygiene and filtering
Removes junk mail, viruses and other malicious content.
Content checking
Identifies sensitive data, irregular language or data loss risks.
Anti-phishing protection
AI-based detection to filter out deceptive emails and BEC attacks.
Advanced threat detection
Using behavioural analysis, machine learning and real-time intelligence against new types of hidden attacks.
What types of threats does the SEG block?
It is often easier for attackers to reach their targets through email than through technical vulnerabilities in systems. SEG solutions provide protection against the following threats:
Spam - Bulk, nuisance emails that are often a precursor to attacks.
Malware - Viruses, ransomware, Trojans that arrive in email attachments or links.
Phishing - Deceptive emails designed to obtain login details or confidential information.