Email is still the most popular way for businesses to communicate, but it’s also one of the most abused. Email attacks have grown increasingly complex in recent years, utilising fraud, impersonation, and scams to target companies of all sizes. We at ARANKISH know how expensive even a minor email hack can be.
The good news? Many of these attacks are preventable with simple, cost-effective measures.
In this post, we break down the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)’s latest recommendations on preventing email-based threats, with practical steps every organisation can adopt today.
Why Email Attacks Are a Growing Threat
Business email compromise (BEC) and other email attacks are growing at a startling rate. Criminals use lookalike domains to create fake email accounts or obtain unauthorised access to existing ones in order to pose as executives, partners, or employees.
The goal? Trick your staff or customers into:
- Sending funds to fraudulent accounts
- Disclosing sensitive business information
- Clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments
If successful, these attacks can lead to financial loss, data breaches, and reputational damage.
8 Simple Ways to Prevent Email Attacks
Here’s what your business should be doing to reduce the risk of email compromise:
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
By requiring a one-time code in addition to a password, MFA adds an extra degree of protection. Even in the event that passwords are compromised, this makes it much more difficult for hackers to access your email accounts.
2. Protect and Renew Your Domain Names
Scammers frequently steal expired domain names to pretend to be your company. To stop criminals from abusing your domains, always renew them, even if they are no longer in use.
3. Register Lookalike Domain Names
Fraudsters often register domains that look almost identical to yours. For example:
paypaI.cominstead ofpaypal.comarankish-security.coinstead ofarankish.com.au
Proactively registering similar variations of your domain can reduce the risk of brand impersonation.
4. Set Up Email Authentication Protocols
Email spoofing allows criminals to forge the “From” address of an email. Prevent this by configuring:
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance)
These authentication protocols help block fake emails before they reach your customers or partners.
5. Limit What You Share Online
Cyber criminals use publicly available information to craft convincing phishing messages. Avoid oversharing your:
- Work email address
- Job title and department
- Direct contact details
Be mindful of what your team posts on LinkedIn or company websites.
6. Implement Email Verification Policies
Introduce internal policies such as:
- Verifying large transactions or banking changes with a phone call using a known contact number (not one provided in the email).
- Flagging emails that demand secrecy, urgency, or bypass of standard procedures.
Ensure employees know how to question suspicious requests without fear of reprisal.
7. Train Your Team Continuously
Human error is still the biggest vulnerability. Regular training helps staff identify:
- Unexpected attachments or links
- Requests for login credentials
- Urgent or odd payment requests
Cyber security awareness training should be part of your onboarding and ongoing education programs.
8. Stay Informed Through ACSC
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) offers real-time alerts and guidance. Being an ACSC Partner helps you stay ahead of new risks that could affect your company.
Final Thoughts
Although email is crucial to business operations, it is also one of your greatest online weaknesses. You can significantly lower your risk and make sure you’re not a simple target by following these 8 proactive steps.
At ARANKISH, we work with businesses to implement robust email security strategies, train staff, and harden digital infrastructure.
Need help securing your organisation’s inbox?
📩 Contact ARANKISH today to discuss tailored email protection strategies and employee training programmes.