Cybercriminals are discovering more sophisticated ways to compromise email security as businesses rely more heavily on cloud-based platforms like Microsoft 365 email security services. This is evident in the 2024 Domain Security Report, which demonstrates the ways that hijacked email domains could be used to attack companies. Domain hijacking is one of the most popular methods used by hackers today. It allows attackers to appear as trustworthy contacts and inflict serious harm.
Cloud Email Security: Understanding the threat posed by hacked Domains
Cloud-based email systems can be hazardous because they appear legitimate and are able to override traditional security measures easily. This can confuse users as well as security personnel. This article will provide an in-depth look at the typical attack.
Phishing attacks: Cybercriminals send fake emails to entice victims to share sensitive information. Domains that resemble those of the real world can bypass security measures and astonish users.
Malware distribution involves hosting malware on hijacked websites or providing hyperlinks to malware. Users can download dangerous files or browse websites infected with malware.
Cybercriminals use false domain names to appear as executives or suppliers and demand payments via wire transfer. They accomplish this using fake domains that appear to be legitimate and create an environment conducive to massive losses. Cybercriminals exploit “dangling DNS vulnerability” to take control of domains that aren’t protected. The malicious content is stored on what appears to be legitimate domains.
The risk of hijacked domains
Scams to hijack domains and email addresses for business often lead to wire transfers and payments to accounts that are not authorized. This could cause huge financial losses to companies. Criminals employ domain impersonators to evade cloud-based email security and trick employees into transferring money to an account that is not known.
Alongside financial repercussions, hijacked websites can harm your reputation for a long time. Partners or customers who receive spam emails from domains they recognize rapidly lose faith in cloud email services. The loss of trust could have long-term effects that are hard to fix.
Hacked domains can lead to data security breaches. Phishing attacks on Microsoft 365 email services expose sensitive data and can put businesses at risk of being liable for compliance violations or legal issues. To prevent such incidents, proactive measures to secure domains are necessary.
According to the 2024 Domain Security Report, 80% of domains that resemble famous names were registered by third-party companies. These domains have active MX Records, which makes them attractive targets for attackers.
Best Practices to Safeguard Domains from Hacking
Secure Protocols:
- Registry locks are crucial for Microsoft 365’s security. They ensure your domain’s integrity.
- DNSSEC: DNSSEC authenticates DNS response, preventing the hijacking of DNS domain names and providing email security.
- CAA Records The list of certificate authorities that issue domain certificates. This reduces the chance of an attacker obtaining unauthorized certificates.
Increase security monitoring and layers.
Layered Defense strategies employ a variety of protocols, including DMARC DNSSEC registry locks and real-time monitoring, to improve the security of cloud-based email.
Continuous monitoring detects unapproved changes and suspicious activities within the IT network. It sends real-time alerts that allow IT personnel to take action against suspicious actions.
Predictive Modeling uses an algorithm to monitor patterns of activity in domains. This assists administrators in managing Microsoft 365 Email Security Services by proactively detecting threats.
Improving Cloud Email Security Protection
Proactive security is a necessity for fighting back against hijacked domains effectively. One can use DMARC, registry locking, and continuous monitoring as various tools for heightened security. Advanced email security solutions make it easier to manage the threat vectors while keeping sensitive data and user information safe. Learn more about how cloud-based email security protects users and their data from compromised domains.
Cloud email security services, combined with cloud-based email security solutions, will provide protection for your organization from the continuously growing threat of domain hijacking. It can help establish confidence and verify that digital communications are authentic.