Email Security: The Growing Threat of Infections and Compromises
Email remains one of the most commonly used methods of communication, both personally and in business. However, it is also a prime target for cybercriminals. Over the years, email-based threats such as infections and compromises have grown significantly, leading to severe consequences. In this article, we will explore the transformation of email threats, provide real-world examples, and highlight key statistics from recent studies to emphasize the growing importance of email security.
1. The Rise of Email-Based Threats: 2019 to 2025
Email threats have evolved from simple spam to more sophisticated attacks, including phishing, spear-phishing, ransomware, and Business Email Compromise (BEC). Below is a summary of how these threats have changed from 2019 to 2025:
| Year | Email Threats | Statistics & Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Basic Phishing, Ransomware | Ransomware accounted for 71% of all email threats. Phishing attacks increased by 11% from 2018. |
| 2020 | COVID-19 Phishing, Increased Spear-Phishing | Due to COVID-19, phishing emails targeting pandemic-related information surged by 400%. BEC scams caused over USD 1.7 billion in losses. |
| 2021 | Advanced Phishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC) | Phishing attempts targeting financial services increased by 15%. BEC attacks alone caused over USD 1.8 billion in losses. |
| 2022 | AI-Powered Phishing, Email Spoofing | AI-based phishing campaigns grew by 35%. Spoofing email addresses for impersonation led to a 25% increase in business fraud. |
| 2023 | AI & Machine Learning Driven Phishing, Ransomware | AI-driven phishing attacks increased by 20%, targeting high-profile individuals and businesses. Ransomware, primarily delivered via email, accounted for 30% of cybercrime incidents. |
| 2024-2025 | Advanced Ransomware & Hybrid Attacks | Hybrid attacks combining ransomware and BEC tactics are expected to rise by 40%, causing exponential financial damage to organizations worldwide. |
2. Key Statistics on Email Security
The following statistics from recent studies provide a clearer picture of the impact of email-based threats:
Phishing Attacks:
Phishing emails rose by 11% in 2020, according to the Verizon 2020 DBIR, with over 20% of breaches linked to phishing.
Ransomware:
In 2023, 71% of ransomware attacks were delivered via email, according to Malwarebytes.
BEC Losses:
The FBI’s IC3 reported that USD 1.8 billion were lost to BEC attacks in 2022, with an average loss of USD 100,000 per incident.
Spam Filtering Impact:
Proofpoint’s 2022 Human Factor Report found that 90% of cyberattacks began with a targeted email, emphasizing the importance of advanced spam filters.Chart Placeholder:hing, ransomware, and BEC statistics.
3. The Transformation of Email Security Threats
Email threats have not only evolved in terms of attack sophistication but have also grown in scale. In the past, most attacks involved mass-distributed spam emails or generic phishing attempts. Today, cybercriminals deploy highly targeted attacks with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These tools allow hackers to craft personalized and convincing phishing emails, making it harder for even vigilant users to detect malicious messages.
For instance, a 2023 study by Proofpoint found that 1 in 6 emails sent to businesses worldwide were phishing attempts. Out of these, 76% targeted specific individuals, demonstrating the rise of spear-phishing attacks. Furthermore, BEC attacks have led to USD 1.8 billion in financial losses in 2022 alone, according to the FBI’s IC3 report.
4. Conclusion: Protecting Your Email
Email security has never been more critical. As the sophistication and frequency of email-based attacks continue to rise, individuals and businesses must take proactive steps to protect their email accounts. This includes using multi-factor authentication, implementing spam filters, regularly updating passwords, and educating users about the dangers of phishing and ransomware attacks.
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