5 Myths About Email Security That Put Your Business at Risk

In 2024, email was the top target for cybercriminals, accounting for a significant majority of phishing, ransomware, and credential theft attacks. Despite advancements in email security technology, many organizations operate under false assumptions about the strength of their defenses. These myths can leave critical vulnerabilities unaddressed and put businesses at risk. Here, we show five common myths about email security to help you strengthen your organization’s defenses.

Myth 1: Email Filters Are Enough to Protect Against Phishing

Many organizations rely solely on email filters to block malicious messages. While these tools are effective at stopping spam and basic phishing attempts, they often fail against sophisticated threats, such as:

• AI-generated phishing emails that mimic human writing styles.
• URL redirections are designed to bypass traditional detection methods.
• QR phishing attacks that embed malicious URLs in QR codes to trick users into visiting compromised websites.
• Callback phishing campaigns where attackers use email to lure users into sharing sensitive information over fake support calls.

The Reality: According to Gartner, advanced phishing techniques like QR phishing and AI-based emails can bypass even the most robust spam filters, leaving businesses exposed. Keepnet’s multi-layered detection approach, including URL redirection analysis and real-time QR code scanning, closes these critical gaps.

Myth 2: Employees Are the Foundation of Cybersecurity

It’s a common belief that employees’ lack of security awareness is the biggest vulnerability in email security. While human error is a factor, this mindset ignores the role of empowerment and education.

The Reality: Employees can become your strongest line of defense when equipped with the right tools and training. Gartner reports that 68% of breaches involve human error, making security culture important. Platforms like Keepnet’s phishing reporting button and behavioral training tools align with Gartner’s recommendation to adopt a Security Behavior and Culture Program (SBCP). These tools transform employees into active participants in detecting and reporting threats, reducing risks associated with human error.

Myth 3: My Business Isn’t a Target

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often assume they are too insignificant to be targeted by cybercriminals. However, attackers frequently target SMBs because they often have weaker defenses compared to large enterprises.

The Reality: Cybercriminals use automated tools to scan for vulnerabilities across businesses of all sizes. SMBs are increasingly targeted with phishing attacks, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC) scams. Gartner notes that credential theft attacks on SMBs often involve phishing emails impersonating SaaS platforms like Microsoft 365. Keepnet’s Email Threat Simulator helps identify and mitigate these vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.

Myth 4: Email Security Is a One-Time Setup

Many organizations implement email security solutions and assume the job is done. However, cyber threats are constantly evolving, and static configurations can quickly become outdated.

The Reality: Email security requires continuous validation and improvement. Gartner emphasizes the importance of regular testing of email security configurations to stay ahead of threats. Keepnet’s Email Threat Simulator, which tests leading solutions like Proofpoint and Mimecast, uncovers misconfigurations, missed threats, and areas for fine-tuning, ensuring your defenses remain effective.

Myth 5: Outbound Emails Are Not a Security Concern

Organizations often focus their email security efforts on inbound threats while neglecting the risks posed by outbound emails, such as:

• Misdirected messages containing sensitive data.
• Emails sent from compromised accounts.

The Reality: Outbound email security is just as critical as inbound protection. Gartner highlights risks like domain abuse and data leakage, emphasizing the importance of monitoring outbound emails. Keepnet’s tools proactively detect these issues, protecting sensitive information and ensuring compliance.

Breaking Free from Myths: The Keepnet Human Risk Management

Believing in these myths can leave your business vulnerable to the sophisticated threats of 2025. Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform helps organizations address these misconceptions by:

• Enhancing threat detection with AI-powered tools that complement traditional email security solutions.
• Empowering employees to play an active role in cybersecurity through robust training and reporting tools.
• Providing continuous validation and optimization of email security defenses with tools like the Email Threat Simulator.
• Addressing both inbound and outbound email risks to prevent data breaches and compliance violations.

In 2025, cybercriminals are more sophisticated than ever. Don’t let outdated myths compromise your defenses. Equip your business with the tools and knowledge needed to stay ahead of evolving threats. Integrate Keepnet into your cybersecurity strategy today.