Secure email refers to the implementation of security measures aimed at protecting email communications from unauthorized access, interception, and phishing attacks. This encompasses a range of technologies and practices designed to ensure that email content and attachments are kept confidential, authenticated, and intact throughout their lifecycle.
Overview
In the realm of OT/IT cybersecurity, secure email is critical due to the pervasive use of email as a communication tool and the potential vulnerabilities it introduces. Email systems, if not properly secured, can serve as vectors for cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware. For industrial, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure environments, the consequences of a compromised email system can be severe, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data breaches, and financial losses.
Key Security Measures
Encryption
Encryption is a foundational element of secure email. It involves converting email content into an unreadable format that can only be deciphered by the intended recipient who possesses the correct decryption key. Two common types of email encryption are Transport Layer Security (TLS), which secures emails in transit, and End-to-End Encryption (E2EE), which encodes emails from the sender to the recipient.
Authentication
Authentication mechanisms, such as Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC), help verify the sender's identity and protect against email spoofing. These protocols ensure that emails are genuinely from the purported source and have not been tampered with.
Anti-Phishing Measures
Secure email systems often incorporate anti-phishing technologies that detect and block fraudulent emails designed to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information. These systems may use advanced algorithms and machine learning to recognize phishing patterns and prevent such attacks.
Standards and Compliance
Adhering to relevant standards is essential for ensuring email security in industrial and critical environments. For instance, NIST Special Publication 800-171 outlines the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems, including email communications. CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) also emphasizes the importance of secure email practices as part of its cybersecurity hygiene requirements. Additionally, the NIS2 Directive mandates the protection of networks and information systems, including email, within critical sectors across the EU.
Why It Matters
For industrial and manufacturing sectors, secure email is not just about protecting sensitive data but also about safeguarding operational integrity. Cyber attackers often use email as a primary entry point into an organization's network. Therefore, robust email security measures are crucial to prevent unauthorized access to operational technology (OT) systems, which could lead to serious disruptions in production processes or even physical harm in critical environments.
In Practice
Consider a manufacturing company that receives blueprints and proprietary designs via email. If these emails are intercepted or tampered with, it could result in intellectual property theft or sabotage. By implementing strong secure email practices, such as end-to-end encryption and stringent authentication protocols, the company can protect its sensitive communications and maintain trust with its partners and clients.
Related Concepts
- Phishing
- Encryption
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
- Transport Layer Security (TLS)
- Operational Technology (OT) Security