Email is still the number one entry point for Cyber Attacks and despite all the security tools available, one message in your inbox can be all it takes to compromise an entire business network.
At QLine IT, we help organisations across the UK secure their systems against these threats, here’s a breakdown of the most common types of email attacks and what to watch out for. You may see some that are familiar!
1. Phishing
The most common and widely known email attack and with phishing, emails are designed to trick users into sharing sensitive information, like login details and payment details.
Typical signs include:
Language such as “Your account will be suspended!”
Fake login pages that look identical to real sites
Suspicious sender addresses that pretend to be trusted domains
Always check the sender domain carefully and never click links directly and log in via the official website instead!
Always ask Qline IT, if you are usure.
2. Spear Phishing
This is a targeted version of phishing.
Attackers research specific people within an organisation, there people are most likely higher ups, like finance or senior management to make the email appear highly convincing and personalised.
Example:
An attacker poses as your CEO asking you to “urgently process a payment” or “send over the latest staff payroll file.”
3. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Also known as the CEO fraud, Business Email Compromise attacks involve impersonating senior executives or suppliers to trick staff into transferring money or data.
Typical tactics:
Fake supplier invoices
Domain lookalike emails (e.g. qline-it.co.uk → q1ine-it.co.uk)
Urgent “confidential” requests to bypass checks
Defence tip:
Use email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and makes you have approval processes for purchasing and financial situations.
Also, make staff aware of these new or existing processes!
4. Malware & Ransomware Emails
These types of emails include malicious attachments or links that install malware when they are opened.
This can be keyloggers to full ransomware that encrypt your files and demand payment.
Defence tip:
Never enable macros or open unexpected attachments.
Keep anti-virus and patching up to date.
Backup regularly and test recovery.
5. Credential Harvesting
Attackers send fake “login alerts” or “password reset” emails linking to a cloned site or a page that looks like the site. If less convincing, you can usually tell by the URL in the top bar.
Once you enter your credentials, they’re stolen, and they are used to access you’re your account. Usually, you will not notice until a lot of damage has been done.
Defence tip:
Use MFA and a password manager to generate unique passwords for every login account you have.
6. Spam & Malvertising
Not every malicious email tries to steal data, some are designed to flood inboxes with spam or malicious ads, which can lead to fake downloads or scam offers.
Defence tip:
Use advanced email filtering and DNS-based web protection to block known bad domains before they reach users.
Email security isn’t just about technology, it’s about people, education, processes, and vigilance.
What can You do?
QLine IT can help your organisation deploy advanced email filtering and threat detection, as well as key methods such as:
MFA across all business accounts
Train staff to recognise phishing and social engineering
Keep systems patched and up to date
Back-up data regularly and test restoration
Get Cyber Essentials certified to demonstrate compliance and good practice. The easiest way for an attacker to enter your business is still through your inbox.
But with the right training, controls, and response plans, you can turn that vulnerability into one of your strongest lines of defence.
