LinkShield Powered by LUCA
The Next Generation of URL-Based Phishing Protection
INTRODUCTION
Email is a critical tool for business communication today. However, its widespread use makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. With 347 billion emails sent daily and 97% of cyber threats delivered via email, the need for strong email security measures has never been more pressing, especially given the cost of a breach.
According to the latest IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach for a South African organisation last year was R49.45 million, an 8% increase from 2022. The report found that email-based attack vectors accounted for a quarter of all data breaches. Keeping pace with innovation in the cat and mouse game that is cybersecurity today is key to effective threat detection and prevention. Advanced email security solutions offer features that protect against various threats such as phishing, malware, and spam, allowing businesses to operate without disruptions caused by cyber incidents. Among IBM's recommendations to keep one step ahead of cybercriminals is the use of security Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation.
Incorporating security AI that leverages Machine Learning (ML) means your defences evolve with the threat landscape, enhancing the speed and accuracy of responses.
At SYNAQ, we're committed to securing email communication and leading the charge in email security solutions. That's why we developed our own proprietary AI to identify and thwart phishing URLs - LUCA. Combined with Securemail Premium, LinkShield powered by LUCA delivers robust email security. Let’s explore!
THE WEAKEST LINK
For business owners, securing email communication is essential for protecting information and ensuring smooth operations. Not least because a data breach can prove devastating. The costs of remediation, including forensic investigations, system repairs and legal fees, can exceed the direct costs of the breach itself. In addition, non-compliance with data protection regulations can result in significant fines, to say nothing of the impact on customer trust, reputational damage, lost business and revenue.
No business can afford to be without cybersecurity. But your business is only as secure as your biggest vulnerability. Email represents the single biggest point of contact with the outside world for most businesses. Not only that, but email is reliant on human interface and so is vulnerable to human error. However, email security is all too often neglected or taken for granted, leaving businesses exposed to phishing attacks including URL-based threats. As these threats increase in sophistication, so securing this critical gateway is essential for safe and productive businesses.
URL-based phishing attacks remain one of the most persistent and dangerous email threats. These increasingly sophisticated schemes use deceptive URLs to trick users into divulging sensitive information, posing significant risks to organisations of all sizes.
Learn how to identify URL-based phishing threats - https://www.synaq.com/blog/articles/the-oldest-click-in-the-book/
Robust email security is essential in maintaining your cybersecurity defences and should include:
Phishing Protection
Phishing attacks are the leading way ransomware gets into systems, which can cripple a business. Phishing involves deceptive emails designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software. An advanced email security solution helps prevent this by detecting and blocking phishing emails before they reach the inbox.
As an example, consider a transport and logistics company owner who manages a fleet of long-haul trucks and trailers. If a phishing email targets their business, it could lead to unauthorised access to sensitive information, causing financial loss and operational downtime. By implementing a robust email security solution, the company can prevent such incidents and ensure smooth business operations.
Anti-Malware and Anti-Spam Protection
Email security solutions also provide comprehensive protection against malware and spam. Malware can cause significant harm to a business, from data breaches to system shutdowns. Spam emails, while less dangerous, can clutter inboxes and reduce productivity.
For busy businesses, the ability to filter out spam and block malware is crucial. It ensures that employees can focus on their tasks without being distracted by irrelevant emails or risking exposure to harmful software. This protection is vital for maintaining operational efficiency and safeguarding company data.
Data Leak Prevention (DLP)
Data leaks can be disastrous for businesses, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Advanced email security solutions often include Data Leak Prevention (DLP) features that monitor outgoing emails to ensure that sensitive information does not leave the organisation unauthorised.
For example, consider the transport and logistics industry - where contracts, delivery schedules, and customer information are routinely shared via email. This makes DLP indispensable. It ensures that sensitive data remains secure, protecting the company from potential breaches and maintaining client trust.
URL (aka Links) Protection
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to access websites and other resources on the internet. One of the more sophisticated features of modern email security solutions is URL protection, which involves scanning and evaluating links within emails to detect and block malicious URLs. Given the increasing use of URLs in phishing attacks, this feature is essential for preventing users from unknowingly visiting harmful websites.
To illustrate, consider a logistics company again. URL protection is a vital defence mechanism in environments where employees often need to click on links related to delivery schedules, route maps, and client communications. Ensuring that these links are safe prevents potential compromises that could disrupt operations or lead to data breaches.
Advanced Threat Intelligence and Reporting
Effective email security solutions provide advanced threat intelligence and detailed reporting. These tools offer insights into the types of threats targeting the business, the volume of spam and malware detected, and the overall security posture.
Having access to detailed reports allows the owner to understand the threat landscape better and make informed decisions about additional security measures. This proactive approach to security helps in staying ahead of potential threats and maintaining a robust defence against cyberattacks.
AI-Powered Security
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in email security has revolutionised threat detection and prevention. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns and detect zero-day threats—new, previously unknown vulnerabilities—more accurately.
Imagine receiving a targeted phishing attack with a malicious attachment. An AI-powered email security solution can quickly identify the anomaly, quarantine the email, and prevent any damage. This level of intelligence and responsiveness is critical for protecting businesses from evolving cyber threats.
Securemail Premium with LinkShield Powered by LUCA: A Comprehensive Line of Defence
Our goal is to enable people to connect and collaborate through a trusted, low-cost email security platform. We believe no business should have to compromise on security or collaboration, so we continue to invest in our Secure Email Gateway (SEG), Securemail, to ensure our clients are protected against the very latest in emerging threats.
Securemail Premium includes phishing and malware protection, DLP, threat intelligence, and URL protection now powered by proprietary AI security algorithms.
LUCA, or “LinkShield URL Classification AI”, revolutionises the way we detect and respond to phishing threats.
How LUCA Enhances Protection:
- Advanced Detection: LUCA leverages purpose-built AI to accurately identify zero-day or discretely targeted phishing URLs. This means fewer false positives and a higher rate of accuracy.
- Adaptive Learning: As LUCA learns from emerging threats, it continuously improves its detection capabilities, ensuring your email security evolves in tandem with new phishing tactics.
One size doesn't fit all: Tailored email security to suit your business from SYNAQ
The recent updates to LinkShield also include enhancements to user experience and policy management features, allowing you to configure and manage security settings to fit your unique business context.
Features Include:
- Custom Whitelists: Define trusted domains and adjust how different classifications are handled.
- User Experience Control: Determine what users see in their inbox and how policies are enforced, ensuring that security measures align with your operational needs.
- Granular Policy Management: Tailor security protocols to the specific requirements of your business environment, improving both usability and effectiveness.
- Intuitive Interface: Updated tables and toggles make it easier to navigate and manage your email security settings.
- Efficient Management: New features and enhancements ensure that enforcing the right security behaviours is simpler and more effective, reducing the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks.
CONCLUSION
In today’s digital landscape, email security is not optional—it is a necessity. For business owners, the protection of email communication is critical to ensuring smooth operations and safeguarding sensitive information. Advanced email security solutions offer a range of features that provide comprehensive protection, enabling businesses to thrive in a secure environment. By investing in robust email security, business owners can mitigate risks, enhance productivity, and maintain the trust of their clients.
Securemail Premium with LinkShield Powered by LUCA offers just that. It combines the power of machine learning with customisable security features to provide superior protection against the evolving threat landscape.
LinkShield Powered by LUCA | Key Benefits:
- Reduced False Positives: Thanks to LUCA’s advanced detection capabilities, you can trust that the threats identified are genuine.
- Adaptive Security: Rest assured that your defences automatically evolve with the threat landscape.
- Tailored Security: Customisable policies ensure that your security measures are aligned with your specific business needs.
- Improved Usability: An enhanced user interface makes managing email security more intuitive and effective.
Experience the Future of Email Security
At SYNAQ, we’re dedicated to helping you stay ahead of cyber threats with cutting-edge solutions. LinkShield Powered by LUCA is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in email security.
Ready to see LUCA in action? Book a demo today and experience firsthand how our advanced URL-based phishing protection can safeguard your business.