CASP+ Definitions: Mail Security
Mail security, also known as email security, refers to a set of technologies and practices used to protect email systems and communications from cyber threats. Email is one of the most common forms of communication in the modern world, and is often used to exchange sensitive information such as financial data, personal information, and intellectual property. As such, email systems are a prime target for cyber attacks, such as phishing, malware, and spam.
Mail security solutions typically include a combination of technologies and strategies, such as:
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Spam filtering: This involves filtering out unwanted emails, such as spam and phishing emails, before they reach the recipient’s inbox.
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Anti-malware protection: This involves scanning email attachments and links for malicious content, such as viruses and malware.
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Encryption: This involves encrypting emails and attachments to protect them from interception and unauthorized access.
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Authentication: This involves verifying the identity of the sender and recipient of an email, using technologies such as Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM).
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Data loss prevention (DLP): This involves monitoring and preventing the unauthorized transmission of sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and social security numbers.
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Email archiving: This involves storing emails and attachments for compliance and regulatory purposes.
Overall, mail security is an important aspect of any organization’s cybersecurity strategy, as it helps to protect against a wide range of cyber threats and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of email communications.
