Phishing Attacks Are Evolving – Is Your Email Security Keeping Up

April 04, 2025 3 Minute Read by Craig Searle

• Phishing attacks cost businesses millions-learn why email security is about more than just passing a test.
• Strengthen your email security culture with leadership support, continuous training, and adaptive strategies.
• Discover how Trustwave MailMarshal enhances email security by blocking phishing threats before they reach your inbox.

A strong email security posture is as much about culture as it is about technology. In the 2022-23 financial year, 78% of Australian businesses offered annual cybersecurity training to their entire workforce; however, only 39% of these businesses provided specialized training for privileged users who are authorized to perform security-relevant functions that ordinary users are not.

In the US, the FBI's 2023 Internet Crime Report noted that threat actors caused $18.7 million in losses from phishing attacks, highlighting the critical need for strong email security measures.

One common method of training for organizations to improve email security awareness is conducting phishing tests to see how well employees spot fake emails that could lead to security problems. While they are a good start for organizations starting to build a cyber-aware culture, these tests have their limits, and businesses need to invest in more robust training opportunities for the best chance of success.

Phishing tests only look at one kind of security threat. There's a lot more to staying safe online, such as making sure passwords are strong and keeping harmful software away. Security risks change all the time, and what worked before might not work later, meaning that just because someone passes a phishing test today, it doesn't mean they are safe forever. Unfortunately, these tests don't really show how deep a company's culture of staying safe online goes.

Having a strong security culture means everyone thinks and acts in ways that keep information safe, not just identifying mock phishing emails on a test. There are five ways organizations can enhance their security culture:

1. Informed leadership is key to setting the tone for cybersecurity within an organization. When leaders at the top level take cybersecurity seriously and make it a priority, it sends a clear message that security is important for everyone. This means leaders need to be visible in their support for security efforts, talk about it, and get involved. They also must ensure the organization has the tools and training needed to stay safe.
2. Continuous learning about cybersecurity isn't something you do just once; it's an ongoing process. To keep everyone aware of the latest trends and threats in the evolving threat landscape, organizations should offer regular training that's both current and engaging. Mixing up the training formats with workshops, e-learning, and simulations can keep things interesting. It's also important to listen to what employees have to say about these training sessions so they can improve over time.
3. Policies and teamwork will help create a strong security posture that depends on interdepartmental collaboration and having clear policies in place. Security involves everyone, no matter their role, and clear guidelines help everyone understand what they should and shouldn't do to keep things safe. Encouraging teams to work together on security efforts helps break down barriers and reinforces the idea that keeping the company safe is a team effort.
4. Making cybersecurity personal can help make it a part of everyone's daily routine. When employees feel empowered to take care of their digital safety at work and at home, they're more likely to stay vigilant. Recognizing and rewarding secure behaviors can also help make security a positive part of the company culture. And when cybersecurity is connected to personal experiences, it feels more real and less like just another task.
5. Cyber threats constantly evolve, and so should the approach to dealing with them. While it's important to stay informed about the latest threats and trends, being flexible and ready to update policies and practices as needed is key. A culture of continuous improvement-where security measures are regularly reviewed and updated based on new information and feedback-ensures that the organization remains resilient against emerging threats.

How Trustwave MailMarshal Can Help with Phishing Attacks

Trustwave MailMarshal is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance an organization's defense against phishing attacks. By providing advanced email filtering and threat detection capabilities, MailMarshal helps identify and block malicious emails before they reach employees' inboxes. This reduces the risk of phishing attacks and other email-borne threats.

MailMarshal uses a combination of signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and machine learning to identify suspicious emails. It can detect phishing attempts by analyzing email content, sender reputation, and attachment behavior. Additionally, MailMarshal offers real-time threat intelligence updates, ensuring that the organization is protected against the latest phishing tactics.

By integrating Trustwave MailMarshal into their email security strategy, organizations can create a safer email environment, reducing the likelihood of successful phishing attacks and enhancing their overall security posture.

About the Author

Craig Searle is Director, Consulting & Professional Services in Pacific at Trustwave with over 15 years of experience in the security industry working in the finance, government, telecom and infrastructure sectors. Follow Craig on LinkedIn.

ABOUT TRUSTWAVE

Trustwave is a globally recognized cybersecurity leader that reduces cyber risk and fortifies organizations against disruptive and damaging cyber threats. Our comprehensive offensive and defensive cybersecurity portfolio detects what others cannot, responds with greater speed and effectiveness, optimizes client investment, and improves security resilience. Learn more about us.

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