Defending Against Email Threats: Key Takeaways from Osterman Research's 2024 Report for Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure organizations, including those in the energy, transportation, water management, and healthcare sectors, have become favorite targets among cyber thieves and nation-state actors. These criminals seek to disrupt services, steal sensitive information, and cause widespread social harm via email-borne cyberattacks.

Osterman Research, an established analyst firm focused on information security, conducted an exhaustive study on email security threats faced by critical infrastructure organizations. Their 2024 Email Security Threats Against Critical Infrastructure Organizations report offers an in-depth examination of these email-borne threats and highlights vulnerabilities experienced by crucial sectors. This report provides an in-depth view of today's threat environment and sheds light on tactics employed by malicious actors.

As we dissect Osterman Research's 2024 report in this Blog, we offer a broad overview of today's email threat landscape and examine specific and noteworthy email security trends that have characterized the past year.

We then offer practical advice for strengthening email security as we transition into 2025, such as installing advanced filtering solutions, adopting a zero-trust approach, improving employee training programs, conducting regular security audits, using multi-factor authentication with threat intelligence integration capabilities and protecting supply chains - providing critical infrastructure organizations with timely insights that help fortify their defenses against ever-evolving email security threats.

Noteworthy 2024 Email Security Trends & Discoveries

Osterman Research's report highlights several noteworthy trends and findings regarding email security within critical infrastructure sectors. Alarmingly, up to 80% of organizations experienced security breaches within the last year. Survey results also reveal that organizations had an average of 5.7 successful phishing incidents per 1,000 employees annually, along with account compromises and data leakage incidents—statistics that underscore the extent of email-based cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.

The findings also revealed an alarming need for more trust in security measures. Shockingly, 48% of organizations need more confidence in their ability to stop email-borne threats, and only 34.4% fully comply with email-related regulations such as GDPR. Furthermore, 63.6% do not consider their email security approach best in class, suggesting improvements are urgently required in email security strategies.

Survey respondents anticipate an increase in threat levels, with over 80% expecting that threats like phishing, data exfiltration, and zero-day malware will rise or remain consistent over the coming year. This highlights the necessity of proactive email security measures. The report also highlights organizational assumptions, noting that more than half of respondents hold the mistaken belief that email messages and files are inherently benign. It suggests adopting a zero-trust model where all emails should be treated as potentially malicious until proven otherwise to limit the risk associated with email-borne threats.

The Importance of Robust Email Security for Critical Infrastructure Organizations

Critical infrastructure sectors must recognize the significance of secure email for their operations, which include energy networks, nuclear power plants, food supply chains, transportation systems, and water management services. An email attack targeting critical infrastructure sectors can have devastating repercussions for both physical infrastructure and the citizens who depend on its services, which makes these sectors particularly appealing targets for nation-state actors. These agents may use cyberattacks to disrupt national security, leading to widespread panic and disquiet among the populace. Email-based attacks may have serious repercussions, including adverse health impacts and disruptions of everyday activities.

Cyberattacks against healthcare organizations, water treatment facilities, and food supply chains can have catastrophic repercussions for public health and well-being. Ransomware attacks targeting healthcare systems could obstruct patient care, resulting in death; hence, robust email security in these sectors is paramount to avoid such catastrophic outcomes and maintain public health and well-being.

Practical Advice for Strengthening Email Security Heading into 2025

As we approach 2025, increasing email security protection is paramount for organizations to safeguard their operations and sensitive information. Here are practical measures that can be implemented to strengthen email security and mitigate email-borne threats:

Implementing Advanced Email Filtering Solutions

Organizations should invest in advanced email filtering solutions that utilize Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to detect email-borne threats such as phishing attempts, malware distribution attempts, and other attacks. Such solutions offer real-time threat intelligence and adaptive responses to constantly shifting cyber threats.

Adopting a Zero-Trust Approach

An essential step in enhancing email security is adopting a zero-trust model. This approach views all incoming emails and attachments as potentially malicious until thoroughly examined and validated by experts. Sandboxing technology and advanced threat protection solutions can assist in screening emails to keep harmful material away from end-users.

Enhancing Employee Training and Awareness

Training and awareness programs for employees are essential. Organizations should conduct regular phishing simulations and train employees to recognize and report suspicious emails. By informing employees on current cyber threats and best practices, businesses can significantly lower the chance of successful email-based attacks.

Assuring Compliance With Regulations

Compliance with email-related regulations like GDPR is integral to maintaining high cybersecurity standards within organizations. Businesses should regularly review and update their security policies to meet evolving regulatory demands, which include implementing encryption and data loss prevention (DLP) strategies.

Conducting Regular Security Audits and Assessments

Implementing regular security audits and assessments is an invaluable way to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement within an organization's email security infrastructure. Audits should include penetration tests, vulnerability scans, and configuration reviews.

Investing in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Systems

Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email access can add extra protection against cybercrime. MFA requires users to present multiple forms of identification before being granted access, making it more difficult for criminals to gain entry using stolen credentials.

Integrating Threat Intelligence

Utilizing threat intelligence services can significantly enhance an organization's ability to detect and respond quickly to emerging email threats. Threat intelligence platforms offer insights into current cyber risks, giving companies an edge against adversaries by helping them stay one step ahead and taking preventative steps early.

Keep Learning About Strengthening Your Email Security Posture as the New Year Approaches

Osterman Research's 2024 Report on Email Security Threats against Critical Infrastructure Organizations comprehensively assesses today's security landscape. With high incidents of email breaches, low trust in existing protections, and rising threats projected to increase, it cannot be overstated that robust email security measures must be put in place urgently. 

Critical infrastructure organizations can significantly bolster their email security posture as we head into 2025 by adopting advanced email filtering solutions, taking a zero-trust approach, increasing employee training, conducting regular audits, integrating threat intelligence, and protecting supply chains through multi-factor authentication. Proactive measures taken today to secure email channels supporting vital operations are imperative for keeping critical services running reliably and safely.

Continue learning about strengthening your email security heading into the new year by exploring the resources below:

• Implementing a comprehensive email security system can help prevent advanced threats like targeted spear phishing and ransomware. 
• Following these best practices, you can improve your email security posture to protect against attacks.
• Get the latest updates on how to stay safe online.