How to Test Barracuda Email Security Gateway

Email remains the leading entry point for cyberattacks, with over 75% of targeted attacks starting via email, making phishing a major vector for cybercrime. While Barracuda’s Email Security Gateway is recognized for its effectiveness, it continues to face challenges in mitigating advanced and continually evolving threats that:

• Exploit Misconfigurations: Incorrect settings can leave systems vulnerable.
• Bypass Traditional Filters: Sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks can evade detection.
• Introduce Compliance Risks: Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA require stringent testing of email defenses.

The APWG 2024 Trends Report highlights significant shifts in phishing tactics, with a notable increase in traditional email-based attacks expected in the coming quarters. While vishing and smishing incidents have seen marked growth, email remains a dominant attack vector, particularly as attackers refine methods to bypass secure gateways.

For instance, phishing campaigns that exploit subtle domain variations or advanced social engineering have successfully evaded detection, as seen in breaches targeting retail giants.

These evolving threats emphasize the critical need for continuous testing and optimization of email security solutions like Barracuda to mitigate risks effectively. Tools such as Keepnet Email Threat Simulator provide organizations with the ability to simulate real-world email threats, identify vulnerabilities, and adapt defenses to counter these dynamic challenges.

Email remains the leading entry point for cyberattacks, with over 75% of targeted attacks starting via email, making phishing a major cyber threat.

While Barracuda’s Email Security Gateway is effective, it still faces challenges in mitigating advanced threats that:

• Exploit Misconfigurations: Incorrect settings can leave systems vulnerable.
• Bypass Traditional Filters: Sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks evade detection.
• Introduce Compliance Risks: Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA require rigorous email security testing.

The APWG 2024 Trends Report predicts a surge in phishing, with email remaining the top attack vector. Advanced tactics, like subtle domain variations and social engineering, have already led to major breaches in retail.

To stay ahead, organizations need continuous testing of their email security defenses. Tools like Keepnet ETS Email Threat Simulator help simulate real threats, expose vulnerabilities, and strengthen protections against evolving attacks.

This blog explores how to effectively test Barracuda’s security and enhance protection against evolving threats.

Common Threats that Barracuda Email Security Gateway Might Miss

Cybercriminals employ advanced tactics that exploit the limitations of even robust security solutions. Here are some examples:

1. QR Code Phishing (Quishing):

Attackers embed malicious QR codes in emails, redirecting users to phishing sites.

Why Missed: QR codes often bypass URL scanners since they hide payloads in images.

2. Deepfake Impersonation:

Emails leveraging AI-generated content to mimic executives’ voices or writing styles.

Why Missed: Advanced social engineering can appear highly authentic, avoiding detection.

Callback Phishing:

Emails urging users to call fake IT support, tricking them into revealing credentials or installing malware.

Why Missed: These attacks lack links or attachments, relying solely on social engineering.

4. Supply Chain Spoofing Threats:

Cybercriminals pose as reliable vendors to solicit fraudulent payments or extract confidential data.

Reason Overlooked: Minor variations in email domain names or use of compromised vendor accounts can bypass detection mechanisms.

5. Browser-in-the-Browser (BitB) Attacks:

Fake login popups capture user credentials by mimicking legitimate single sign-on (SSO) pages.

Why Missed: These rely on visual deception rather than malware or links.

What is Email Threat Simulator (ETS)?

Keepnet’s ETS stands out as an advanced solution designed to evaluate your email defenses using authentic attack samples from real-world scenarios. Key capabilities include:

• Malicious Attachments: Simulates files containing hidden malware.
• Ransomware Simulation: Tests email-based ransomware scenarios.
• Phishing Scenarios: Includes AI-driven phishing and impersonation attempts.
• Business Email Compromise: Evaluates detection of spoofed emails.

With ETS, you obtain in-depth insights that enable you to identify configuration gaps, enhance threat detection capabilities, and adapt your Barracuda Email Security Gateway to combat emerging email threats effectively. This proactive approach not only strengthens your security posture but also ensures your organization stays resilient against sophisticated cyberattacks.

How to Test Barracuda Email Security Gateway Using ETS

1. Set Up a Test Email Address:

• Create a dedicated email address within your environment for testing.
• Ensure the address has permissions for email delivery.

2. Launch the Scan:

• Access the Keepnet dashboard through your web browser. If you haven’t registered yet, visit Keepnet ETS to request a demo and create a free account.
• Once logged in, Click Email Threat Simulator.
• Click the +NEW button to start a new scan.
• Provide the designated test email address during the setup process.
• To enable automated scans, configure your preferred settings, such as Outlook Web Access (OWA), Microsoft 365, or IMAP, depending on your email provider.

3. Simulate Threats:

Use ETS to send a variety of test attacks, including:

• Malicious attachments (PDF, Excel, ZIP).
• Sophisticated phishing emails.
• Executive spoofing scenarios.

4. Analyze Results:

Review comprehensive reports detailing:

• Threats that bypassed Barracuda’s defenses.
• Security gaps and potential misconfigurations.
• Recommended actions for improvement.

5. Optimize and Retest:

• Implement the recommendations provided by ETS.
• Conduct regular testing to adapt to emerging threats and ensure robust protection.

Benefits of Using Keepnet ETS to Test Barracuda

Keepnet ETS offers a robust approach to strengthening your email security by leveraging authentic threat samples to test your defenses. This not only enhances the security of your Barracuda Email Security Gateway but also ensures continuous improvement in your cybersecurity posture. Organizations that adopt ETS experience greater confidence in their ability to defend against sophisticated and evolving threats. Here’s how Keepnet ETS helps optimize your security measures:

• Comprehensive Visibility: Gain detailed insights into how threats navigate through your Barracuda Email Security Gateway, enabling you to pinpoint weaknesses and blind spots in your defenses.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Improve detection rates from 30% to 95% by addressing vulnerabilities.
• Proactive Defense: Identify and mitigate threats before they impact your organization.
• Track Progress: Monitor improvements over time with detailed, actionable reports.

Why Keepnet Human Risk Management is Essential

Regular testing of your Barracuda Email Security Gateway is essential to defend against advanced email threats. Keepnet’s ETS provides a reliable way to simulate real-world attacks, identify weaknesses, and optimize your configurations.

Schedule Your Demo Now

Discover how to:

• Simulate advanced threats tailored to your organization.
• Optimize Barracuda configurations.
• Generate actionable reports for enhanced security.

Request a 30-minute demo.