Why multi-layered email security is critical for your business
How layered protection helps prevent costly business email compromises
Email is one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals, and one of the most overlooked. Many business owners are unaware of the potential damage that can result from a hacker accessing their inbox. At InterNetwork IT, we’ve recently seen firsthand how a lack of multi-layered email security leaves businesses vulnerable to devastating compromises.
Keep reading to learn what happens when your email is compromised and how multi-layered security can protect your business.
What happens when your email is compromised
When a hacker breaks into an email account, they aren’t just looking to send spam. They take time to observe, gather information, and plan their next move. In two recent cases, we discovered that attackers had been inside accounts for more than a week before being detected. During that time, they:
- Downloaded all signatures, contacts, and email history
- Monitored financial communications and third-party apps containing sensitive client information
- Prepared to impersonate employees using stolen signatures and contact lists
- Explored admin-level accounts, which provide full access to the entire domain
If the hacker gains admin rights, they can completely lock out the account owner, disrupt business operations, and abuse your company’s domain. Recovering access through Microsoft or Google support is not only complicated but also extremely time-consuming.
Related resource:
How to protect yourself from all types of email cyber threats
The painful process of remediation
Once a compromise is discovered, remediation requires significant time and effort:
- Resetting all user passwords across the company
- Checking systems for additional threats
- Resetting 2FA authenticators often causes delays for individual employees
- Reviewing and removing admin accounts that may have been tampered with
Every step takes valuable time away from your team’s productivity and exposes your business to further risks.
Why prevention is your best defense
The most troubling reality is that once your data is stolen, signatures, emails, and contacts can never be taken back. Hackers can continue impersonating you indefinitely, tricking clients or partners into sending money or confidential information.
This is especially dangerous for businesses handling financial transactions. For example, law firms managing settlements are common targets for fraud, where attackers redirect ACH payments into their accounts. Once those funds are gone, they cannot be recovered.
The importance of multi-layered email security
There is no single product that can fully protect you from these threats. Adequate security requires multiple layers working together. That’s why, at InterNetwork IT, our Security Packages combine monitoring systems, authentication protections, and proactive defenses that make it far more difficult for hackers to succeed.
In addition, these layered security measures are now essential for obtaining and maintaining cyber liability insurance coverage. Without them, businesses may fail to meet insurer requirements.
Learn more:
How we protect businesses from email scams
Take action before it’s too late
Email compromises are costly, time-consuming, and damaging to your reputation. But with the proper protections in place, they’re also preventable. InterNetwork IT’s Security Packages provide the layered defense your business needs to stay secure.
Need to step up your email security?
To learn more about how we can help you protect your business from email scams, please visit our IT Security Packages page.
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