Did you know that the majority of cyberattacks start with an email? But exactly what percentage of cyberattacks start with an email?
In fact, around 88.86% of breaches begin with an email according to data we gather from Knowbe4, Deloitte, CyberTalk, Vestigltd, DigitalGuardian, Tech.Co, and Darkreading.
That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the various ways hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in your system and how to protect yourself from them. By understanding the common methods used in email-based attacks, you can improve your cybersecurity posture and help keep your business safe.
Let’s find out more about the most popular types of email attacks to give you ideas on phishing emails.
What Percentage Of Cyberattacks Start With An Email
Approximately, 88.86% of cyberattacks start with a phishing email according to data we gather from Knowbe4, Deloitte, CyberTalk, Vestigltd, DigitalGuardian, Tech.co, and Darkreading.
This is because phishing emails are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your system. They typically contain malicious attachments or links that, when clicked on, allow the hacker to take control of your device or steal your data.
The best way to protect yourself from phishing attacks is to be aware of the common tricks that hackers use and to always be suspicious of any unsolicited emails that you receive. Never open an attachment or click on a link in an email unless you are sure that it is safe. And if you think you may have been targeted by a phishing attack, report it to your IT department or security team immediately.
On this page:
Phishing Email Statistics (In General)
- 66% of malware is installed via malicious email attachments (Cleardin)
- 30.2 percent of Americans opened unknown emails carrying malicious attachments (FarudParctice)
- 94% of malware is delivered via email (99firms).
- 12 out of every 100 emails are malicious.
Common Types of Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are a type of email fraud. They are designed to steal your personal information or login credentials. Phishing emails typically look to be from a respectable source, such as your bank or a website you frequent.
There are several common types of phishing emails. Here are some examples:
Brand impersonation: In this type of phishing email, the fraudster pretends to be from a well-known company, such as Amazon or PayPal. They will often use the company’s logo and branding in the email in an attempt to make it look legitimate.
Account updates: This type of phishing email claims that there has been some sort of problem with your account and that you need to update your information to avoid having your account suspended.
Password reset: This type of email claims that there has been an issue with your password and that you need to reset it to regain access to your account.
Unknown recipient: In this type of phishing email, the fraudster pretends to be someone you know, such as a colleague or friend. They will often say that they have tried to contact you through other channels but have been unable to reach you and so they are sending you this email instead.
How to Spot a Phishing Email
There are several things you can look for to spot a phishing email. Here are some tips:
Be suspicious of unsolicited emails: If you receive an email from someone you don’t know, or from a company you do business with out of the blue, be suspicious. Legitimate companies will not send you unsolicited emails asking for personal information.
Look for grammar and spelling mistakes: Phishing emails are often full of grammar and spelling mistakes. Legitimate companies will not send out emails that contain these types of errors.
Check the sender’s address: Fraudsters often use spoofed addresses that look similar to legitimate ones. For example, they may use info@chasehere.com instead of info@chase.com .
To check the sender’s address, hover over it with your mouse (do not click on it). A pop-up window should appear that shows the true address the email is coming from. If it does not match the company’s legitimate address, it is probably a phishing email.
How to protect yourself from email-based attacks
Being cautious about the emails you open and click on is one of the best methods to defend yourself from phishing attacks. Do not click on any links or attachments in an email that appears suspicious, even if it is from a trustworthy sender.
Instead, hover over the links to see where they’re taking you. If the URL looks suspicious, don’t click on it! And if you’re ever in doubt, contact the supposed sender directly to verify that they sent you the email.
Final Words
Email-based attacks are increasingly common as cybercriminals become more sophisticated.
These attacks can take many various shapes, but they always aim to steal your personal data. We’ve introduced you to the most frequent sorts of email-based attacks and taught you how to protect yourself from them in this article.
Remember: awareness and vigilance are your best weapons against these types of threats!
