Email remains the backbone of business communication, but it has also solidified its position as the #1 threat vector for cyberattacks. Every organization depends on email for day-to-day tasks, and unfortunately, so do cybercriminals who see it as a convenient entry point.
The numbers speak for themselves. The Acronis Cyberthreats Report H2‑2024 revealed a 197% surge in email-based cyberattacks in the second half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Alarmingly, nearly half of all users were targeted at least once. Phishing, along with increasingly advanced tactics, continues to dominate as the preferred method for attackers.
But here’s the problem—not all email security measures are created equal. Many businesses still rely on their email provider’s built-in security features, assuming it’s sufficient to ward off threats. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
The Limitations of Built-In Email Security
While default email security tools offered by providers like Gmail or Microsoft 365 do offer some foundational protection, they are not equipped to handle today’s rapidly evolving threats. Here’s why relying solely on built-in security is risky in 2025:
1) Modern Threats Outpace Traditional Defenses
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging advanced phishing techniques, malware, and even AI-generated attacks to bypass basic filters. A traditional spam filter or malware scanner can’t keep up with tactics specifically tailored to outsmart these defenses.
2) Insufficient Phishing Protection
Phishing remains the primary attack method, and expertly crafted phishing emails easily slip through built-in filters. Attackers now use social engineering, spoofed emails, or links that evade detection, putting businesses and users at greater risk.
3) Delayed Responses to Emerging Threats
Built-in systems rely on broad detection patterns, which means they can’t always adapt quickly to new threats or zero-day attacks. By the time an update is made, the damage may already be done.
The Future of Email Threats in 2025
One of the challenges businesses face in 2025 is the increasing use of AI by cybercriminals. These tools enable attackers to craft highly convincing phishing emails or malware with personalized details, making them harder to detect. Combined with the growing availability of AI over open-source networks, this trend is set to accelerate.
Additionally, the sheer scale of attacks has introduced stronger, faster combinations of methods, such as Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, where attackers impersonate C-level executives to deceive employees or clients. The stakes are higher than ever, and businesses that stick to basic built-in email security may leave themselves defenseless.
What Does a Robust Email Security Strategy Look Like?
To effectively manage email threats, businesses need to go beyond the built-in tools and adopt comprehensive, multi-layered solutions. Here’s what to look for in a strong email security platform:
Advanced Threat Detection
A robust defense includes real-time scanning for both known and emerging threats, including phishing, malware, and harmful links.
AI-Powered Insights
Advanced AI can quickly detect unusual activity, flag suspicious emails, and identify patterns that may signal an attack.
Continuous Monitoring and Alerts
Real-time monitoring ensures threats are caught and neutralized before they spread. Pairing this with customized alerts adds another layer of protection.
Employee Awareness Training
A comprehensive email security strategy includes empowering employees with regular training. When users recognize threats themselves, attacks can be stopped before they gain traction.
Protect What Matters
Email is the lifeblood of modern business, but it’s also a battleground for cybercrime. Relying on outdated, built-in email security isn’t enough to stay ahead. To truly protect sensitive data, safeguard employees, and maintain trust with clients, businesses must adopt advanced tools and strategies that meet the demands of 2025 and beyond.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action now and secure your email ecosystem against the evolving threats of today and tomorrow.
