Is Your Email Signature a Security Weakness

These are some of the most common threats to be vigilant about:

Phishing

You’ve probably heard about phishing scams, as they are the most commonly known types of cyber threat. With phishing scams, the cybercriminal might pose as a bank, and they use the company’s standard email signature to add credibility to their fake email.

Malware

Malware, short for malicious software includes viruses, worms and Trojans which cyber criminals use to cause damage or gain unauthorised access to your systems. Links in email signatures are often used for these types of attacks.

Ransomware

With ransomware attacks, the cybercriminal locks your data so that you can’t access it and then demands a payment in exchange for unlocking your data. These attacks can be hidden in email attachments and the use of email signatures add authenticity to the email to trick recipients into opening an attachment or clicking a malicious link.

Data leakage

Including too much information in your email signature could allow a cybercriminal to obtain data that they use to create a highly targeted phishing attack. Information such as your full name, role title and department can be used to convince colleagues and other business contacts that they are receiving a communication from you. This trust can then be used to convince the recipient to share data.