Email Remains a Top Risk in 2025

Email threats remain one of the most significant cybersecurity risks for small businesses, and for good reason. Here’s a breakdown of why they pose such a challenge—especially for businesses using platforms like Gmail—and what specific threats to watch out for:

Why Email Threats Are a Major Risk for Small Businesses

Low Barrier of Entry for Attackers

Email is easy and cheap for attackers to exploit. With minimal effort, a cybercriminal can craft a convincing message that tricks employees into taking harmful actions.

Human Error Is Common

Employees may click on malicious links, download infected attachments, or respond to phishing emails without realizing the risk. Small businesses often lack formal cybersecurity training, making staff more vulnerable.

Limited IT Resources

Unlike large corporations, small businesses often don’t have dedicated cybersecurity teams or robust infrastructure to detect or prevent advanced threats.

Gateway to Larger Attacks

A single compromised email account can give attackers access to sensitive data, financial info, customer records, and internal systems. It can even lead to broader breaches like ransomware infections or business email compromise (BEC).

Types of Email Threats Affecting Small Businesses

Phishing

Deceptive emails trick users into revealing credentials or downloading malware.

Spear Phishing

Targeted attacks where scammers research the victim to craft personalized messages, often pretending to be executives or vendors.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

A scam where attackers impersonate a company executive or supplier to convince employees to wire money or share confidential information.

Malware Attachments

Emails containing malicious attachments that, when opened, infect the system with ransomware, spyware, or viruses.

Credential Harvesting

Emails with links to fake login pages (often mimicking Gmail or other services) to steal usernames and passwords.

Gmail Remains A Popular Target

Gmail, as one of the most widely used email platforms (especially among small businesses using Google Workspace), is a common target. Gmail remains one of the most popular email platforms, but it’s also a frequent target for cyberattacks.

In 2025, several new threats have emerged. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• AI-Driven Phishing Attacks: Always verify suspicious emails before clicking.
• Malicious Attachments: Avoid downloading files from unknown senders.
• Account Takeovers: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for added security.
• Ransomware via Email: Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
• Credential Harvesting: Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.

Fake Google Login Pages (Credential Phishing)

Attackers send links to lookalike Google login pages that steal credentials. These are often very convincing and can bypass basic spam filters.

OAuth Phishing Attacks

Instead of asking for passwords, attackers trick users into granting access to malicious apps via OAuth (the system used for permissions). Once access is granted, the app can read, send, and delete emails.

Exploiting Gmail Filters & Forwarding Rules

If a Gmail account is compromised, attackers can set up auto-forwarding rules to silently send copies of incoming mail to an external address—even after the account is recovered.

Google Docs & Drive Sharing Exploits

Attackers may use shared Google Docs or Google Drive links as a vector—disguised as legitimate documents—to bypass email scanners and deliver malicious content.

Bypassing Spam Filters with Zero-Day Phishing Tactics

Gmail’s filters are good but not perfect. Attackers sometimes use newly registered domains, hidden text, or image-based messages that evade detection temporarily.

Further Small Businesses Gmail Protections

• Educate employees on recognizing phishing and suspicious attachments.
• Set up email alerts for forwarding rules or unusual login activity in Gmail.
• Consider email security tools that add layers of protection (like Google Advanced Protection or third-party tools such as Mimecast or Proofpoint).
• Regularly monitor Google Admin Console (if using Workspace) for unauthorized changes.

Need help with securing Email and mitigating its cybersecurity risks?  

Give us a call at 📞(201) 493-1414 for expert assistance.