Gartner Research

How to Build an Effective Email Security Architecture

Published: 14 June 2018

Summary

Email is the most commonly used channel for both opportunistic and targeted attacks on client endpoints. This assessment analyzes how technical professionals can use email security technologies to protect against attacks such as business email compromise, advanced malware, phishing and spoofing.

Included in Full Research

  • Countermeasures to Email Security Threats
  • Email Threat Techniques and Methods
  • Why Attackers Use Email
  • Email Security Architecture
    • Secure Email Gateway
    • Email Service Security
    • Integrated Email Security Solutions
    • Anti-Phishing Behavior Management
    • Email Authentication
    • Brand Protection
    • Endpoint Security
    • Additional Components
  • Detailed Countermeasures to Email Threat Techniques
    • Phase No. 1: Target Identification — Don't Be an Obvious Target
    • Phase No. 2: Countering Infrastructure/Preparation by Hardening Your Email Infrastructure
    • Phase No. 3: Anti-Spoofing to Counter Identity Deception
    • Phase No. 4: Protection Against Nefarious Messages
    • Phase No. 5: Thwarting the Attacker's Objective With Postdelivery Protection
    • Actions: Options for Disruptions
  • The Impact of Cloud and Mobile on Email Security
  • Design an Email Security Architecture in Light of Modern Email Threats
  • Enforce Policies to Lock Down the Delivery of Attachments and URLs
  • Implement Email Authentication
  • Protect Your Email Servers and Inboxes
  • Prefer Solutions That Use Anomaly Detection
  • Dissecting Four Common Email Threats
    • Example Threat No. 1: Ransomware Spreading Through Spam
    • Example Threat No. 2: Business Email Compromise
    • Example Threat No. 3: Scammers Spoofing Your Domain Externally
    • Example Threat No. 4: O365 Account Takeover Through Credential Phishing

Analysts:

Mario de Boer,  Patrick Hevesi

Access Research

Already a Gartner client?

To view this research and much more, become a client.

Speak with a Gartner specialist to learn how you can access peer and practitioner research backed by proprietary data, insights, advice and tools to help you achieve stronger performance.

By clicking the "Continue" button, you are agreeing to the Gartner Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Gartner research: Trusted insight for executives and their teams

What is Gartner research?

Gartner research, which includes in-depth proprietary studies, peer and industry best practices, trend analysis and quantitative modeling, enables us to offer innovative approaches that can help you drive stronger, more sustainable business performance.

Gartner research is unique, thanks to:
Independence and objectivity

Our independence as a research firm enables our experts to provide unbiased advice you can trust.

Actionable insights

Not only is Gartner research unbiased, it also contains key take-aways and recommendations for impactful next steps.

Proprietary methodologies

Our research practices and procedures distill large volumes of data into clear, precise recommendations.

Gartner research is just one of our many offerings.

We provide actionable, objective insight to help organizations make smarter, faster decisions to stay ahead of disruption and accelerate growth.

Tap into our experts

We offer one-on-one guidance tailored to your mission-critical priorities.

Pick the right tools and providers

We work with you to select the best-fit providers and tools, so you avoid the costly repercussions of a poor decision.

Create a network

Connect directly with peers to discuss common issues and initiatives and accelerate, validate and solidify your strategy.

Complementary related insights

Gartner clients can log in to access the full library.

Article

IAM Leaders: Plan to Adopt These 6 Identity and Access Management Trends
Article

17 Network Security Concepts and Acronyms You Need to Know
Article

Could You Mitigate a DDoS Attack?
Research

Sustain Your Digital Momentum: 3 Goals for Software Engineering Leaders
Research

How to Attract, Develop, and Retain Software Engineering Talent
Research

Value Stories to Communicate the Business Value of Software Engineering
Webinar

Ask the Experts: The Impact of Generative AI, Such as ChatGPT
Webinar

The Emerging Healthcare Trends That Will Transform Your Organization

Experience Information Technology conferences

Join your peers for the unveiling of the latest insights at Gartner conferences.

View Conferences

©2022 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without Gartner’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization, which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Gartner research may address legal and financial issues, Gartner does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by Gartner’s Usage Policy. Gartner prides itself on its reputation for independence and objectivity. Its research is produced independently by its research organization without input or influence from any third party. For further information, see Guiding Principles on Independence and Objectivity.