Email Security Software - Countering Network Intrusions
Spam is unsolicited e-mail. Not only is it a nuisance, email spam wastes network bandwidth, and there is little that can be done to prevent spam because of the public nature of the Internet. Using email security software filters with your e-mail programs can be used to detect and remove most spam sent through e-mail.
Email security software is now one of the most important forms of internet security. Since the maximum personal data exchange over the internet takes place through email, email security becomes vital for personal and corporate safety. Many forms of security violations take place through email.
Through email encryption, and internet virus protection following HIPAA security guidelines, intrusion prevention can be successfully done. Email security software thus becomes an integral part of network security management that has become important as well as difficult in this age of laptop computers.
One of the most common forms of security breach is spam. Spam, in simple words is the junk mail that is delivered to hundreds of millions of in-boxes every day. Someone who receives spam can testify to the slowing down of their work and a loss of valuable work time due to the proliferation of ads for enhancement drugs, stock tips and Nigerian scams. Another downside of spam is the possible overlooking of genuine email being classified as spam.
Another threat to email security is the proliferation of Malware. Malware includes viruses, worms and Trojan horses meant to destroy and steal data. Email security software is vital in the prevention of identity theft and phishing attacks.
Mass mailing worms are a common problem faced by the internet community. If one member of a group is infected by a worm, the worm will mail itself to everyone in that persons address book. Since the email is coming from a trusted source, it is more likely to be opened by recipients, further spreading the infection. Email security software aims at halting the spread of worms through prompt detection.
Malware is slang for malicious software, and designed to disrupt a computer system. A trojan horse , worm or a virus is considered Malware. Some advertising software can also be malicious in that it can re-install itself after removing it.
A third threat is the interception of email containing sensitive information in transit. Running your own email servers does not automatically guarantee security for your email. Email security software includes encryption systems that decrypt the mail once it gets to the intended recipient. Through mail encryption systems, email can be secured from hackers.
Email security software consists of anti–spam software, anti-virus software and sophisticated firewalls. These involve investment of time and money and are suitable for businesses which are large in size or transmit sensitive information. In recent times smaller businesses have been opting for managed email security services. The benefits of outsourcing email security include, time, cost, and expertise. However there is one major downside to outsourced email security: having sensitive email from your organization pass through someone else’s network causes a security situation of its own, which has to be carefully managed. What also needs to be taken into account when using managed email security is the very real possibility of delays in receipt of email.
Email security software is of prime importance to businesses. Since email is a fast, convenient and cheap method of communication, it is indispensable to businesses. However, not paying attention to email security can cost far more than the email security software. Through a proper and diligent application of email security software, you can operate your business more securely knowing that your email is not without protection.
Latest Email Security News
| 09/05/2008 06:42 AM |
| Phishing drops as Rock Phish invests in technology updgrade |
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A highly organized gang of phishers took some time off to rebuild its botnet infrastructure -- but experts expect the scams to return with a vengeance.
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| 09/03/2008 06:16 AM |
| Phishing awareness up, anti-spyware unused |
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People more often are deleting or taking no action on phishing emails, but one in three people have no anti-spyware software, new research shows.
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| 09/02/2008 06:48 AM |
| Experts warn of hurricane-related website scams |
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Hurricane Gustav prompted money-minded opportunists to scoop up storm-related domain names.
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