How AI Protects (and Attacks) Your Inbox: The Battle Against Email Threats

The rise of email as a communication tool has brought both convenience and security problems. While email has transformed how we communicate and conduct business, it has also become a playground for hackers looking to abuse naïve individuals and organisations. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a formidable friend in the ongoing battle to secure our inboxes. In this post, we will look at how AI plays a critical role in both fighting against email threats and, ironically, assisting attackers in their nefarious activities.

AI in Email Security

Email security has become a top priority for individuals and businesses alike, given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. AI has proven instrumental in fortifying email security measures by employing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to identify and mitigate potential risks.

• Spam and Phishing Detection:
  AI algorithms can analyse massive amounts of incoming emails, learning from patterns and previous data to differentiate between legitimate messages and spam or phishing attempts. AI can detect questionable information, phishing links, and malware attachments using pattern recognition and natural language processing, safeguarding users from scams.

• Email Filtering:
  AI-powered filters can categorise and prioritise emails, discriminating between those that are vital and those that may pose a threat. AI can evaluate the relevance and importance of incoming communications by monitoring user behaviour and analysing email content, efficiently screening out undesired or harmful emails.

• Behavioral Analytics:
  AI programmes analyse user behaviour patterns, learning individual preferences and normal communication patterns. This enables AI systems to spot anomalies and probable account compromises, such as rapid changes in email activity, strange login locations, or unauthorised access attempts. AI assists in preventing email account breaches and unauthorised access by detecting such anomalies.

AI as a Double-Edged Sword 

While AI technology has proven effective in improving email security, scammers have also welcomed its ability to enhance their harmful actions. Attackers are using AI approaches to build complex tactics that can circumvent standard security measures, posing considerable challenges to the defence systems put in place.

• Advanced Phishing Attacks:
  AI algorithms are being used by cybercriminals to create targeted and very convincing phishing emails. Attackers can construct personalised communications that appear valid by analysing personal data gathered from numerous sources, making it more difficult for consumers to distinguish between legitimate and malicious emails. AI-powered phishing attempts can take advantage of human weaknesses, making them more effective in duping users into disclosing sensitive information.

• Malware and Ransomware Distribution:
  AI has made it easier for attackers to automate the generation and distribution of malware and ransomware. AI algorithms can develop polymorphic malware versions, making it harder for regular antivirus software to detect and block them. Furthermore, AI can improve the speed and efficiency of big-scale email campaigns, allowing attackers to spread harmful payloads to a large  number of targets in a short period of time.

• Email Spoofing and Impersonation:
  Attackers can use AI-powered tools to convincingly imitate trusted individuals or organisations, enhancing the success rate of email spoofing attacks. AI can construct convincing imitations of legitimate senders by analysing patterns in writing style, email history, and social media profiles, making it difficult for recipients to recognise bogus emails.

Best AI email security tools

In today’s landscape, the use of AI by email security solutions and tools is becoming more frequent. Consider which of the following applies to your organisation.

1. Proofpoint:
Proofpoint is an all-in-one email security solution that blocks undesired, harmful, and impersonating emails. Its AI engine analyses and categorises content, allowing it to prioritise protection.

2. Ironscales:
Another strong email security service is Ironscales, which blocks advanced attacks including account takeovers and business email compromises that pass Secure Email Gateways. It asserts that it is the first company in the industry that incorporate AI and human insights. Additionally, it offers features like advanced malware and URL protection, automatic incident response, phishing attack simulation, and security awareness training.

3. Graphus:
Graphus is an email security technology powered by artificial intelligence that focuses on combating phishing attempts, account takeovers, and BEC scams. 

4.Tessian:
Tessian has an AI-based defence that detects and blocks email assaults based on context. Based on Tessian Data Layer, Content X-Ray, and Behavioural Analytics insights, it uses a combination of machine learning and heuristic models to automatically identify whether emails include security hazards. To detect anomalies and malicious emails, it may perform deep content inspection, behaviour analysis, and gather threat intelligence insights from numerous sources.

Conclusion 

Artificial intelligence has revolutionised email security, playing a vital role in both protecting and threatening our inboxes. Through advanced algorithms and machine learning, AI can effectively detect and prevent spam, phishing attempts, and account breaches. It enables behavioural analysis to identify suspicious activity and safeguard users from cyber threats. However, as AI continues to advance, cybercriminals are adapting and leveraging its power to carry out sophisticated attacks, such as advanced phishing techniques, malware distribution, and email spoofing.

To stay ahead in the battle against email threats, individuals and organisations must continually update their security measures, adopting AI-based solutions that can counter the evolving tactics employed by attackers. Combining AI-driven email security systems with user education and awareness is crucial in maintaining a safe email environment.

While AI presents challenges in combating threats, it also holds immense potential to bolster email security further. By continuously improving AI algorithms, leveraging robust data analysis, and strengthening collaboration between cybersecurity experts and AI developers, we can harness the power of AI to better protect our inboxes, ensuring a safer digital communication experience for all.