Email-based attacks, such as phishing and ransomware , are the most common threats to businesses, with the majority of employees unable to recognize a malicious email , according to a new security report .
The 2019 Email Trends Security survey , conducted by Barracuda Networks, found that 74% of respondents said email attacks have a significant impact on their businesses, while 78% of organizations said the cost of email breaches is increasing.
“Spear phishing” is widespread, with 43% of businesses having fallen victim to a spear phishing attack in the last 12 months.
"While most IT are more confident in their email security systems than they were a year ago, email attacks still have a significant impact on businesses," the report said.
The most common impacts reported were loss of employee productivity, delay and disruption to business operations, and damage to the IT team's reputation.
“Nearly three-quarters of respondents reported experiencing higher levels of stress, worrying about a potential email attack even when they are not working, and being forced to work nights and weekends to address email security issues,” the findings said.
“Nearly a quarter of respondents reported that attacks have cost the organization $100,000 or more. Ninety-two percent of Office 365 users have security concerns,” the report states.
The report was attended by 660 executives, individual partners and group managers involved in IT security. In addition, the companies participating in the study included small, mid-sized and large enterprises in technology, financial services, education, healthcare, manufacturing, government, telecommunications, retail and other industries.
