Protecting emails that contain sensitive data is important. The loss of confidential information or customer information can lead to large fines, negative publicity, and a significant erosion of customer trust. Unfortunately, email is often a prime target for cyber-attacks such as phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and data breaches. Despite advances in security technology, unencrypted emails still pose a significant risk, leaving sensitive information vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access.
The Dangers of Unencrypted Email Communication
More than two-thirds of an organization’s intellectual property is exchanged via email between offices, partners and customers. Employees may be sending unencrypted messages with sensitive content without realizing how dangerous this behavior can be. Cybercriminals then exploit vulnerabilities in email systems to steal information and commit fraud.
Unsigned emails are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, where hackers intercept communications between two parties. Without encryption, these emails can be read, changed, or redirected without the knowledge of the sender or recipient. This not only jeopardizes the confidentiality of information but also undermines the trust and integrity of your business communications.
Ensuring Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations
As the country’s regulation becomes more stringent, businesses are under increasing pressure to implement stronger data protection measures, including email encryption. Laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) mandate the use of encryption to protect sensitive data, especially when it is transmitted over networks. Failure to comply with these rules can result in significant fines and legal consequences.
To ensure compliance, businesses must use encryption protocols that meet industry standards. This includes using encryption algorithms recognized and approved by regulatory bodies, such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with 256-bit keys. Businesses should use policy-based encryption that automatically applies the appropriate level of encryption based on email content and the recipient’s profile. This not only ensures compliance but also simplifies the process for end users, reducing the risk of human error.
Writing Techniques and Tools
Several methods and tools are available to help businesses encrypt their emails successfully. One of the most reliable and widely used methods is S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions), which allows encryption and digital signing of email messages. Another method is PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), which provides encryption of email content and metadata, ensuring complete security.
Security leaders should look for tools that offer robust, policy-driven encryption features that automatically encrypt emails based on predefined criteria, such as the presence of sensitive information or the recipient’s email domain. These tools can easily integrate with existing email platforms and provide centralized management of encryption policies, making it easier for businesses to maintain control over their encrypted communications.
Reduce the Risk of Data Loss with Encryption
Unauthorized emails expose your business to unnecessary risks, including data breaches, financial losses, and legal penalties. By implementing strong encryption principles, ensuring compliance with industry standards, using effective encryption tools, and educating your employees, you can greatly improve the security of your email communications. In today’s threat world, email encryption isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.
Learn how Proofpoint can help protect your email with encryption at
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