42% of emails sent to Irish SMEs are junk
More than four in 10 emails to Irish SMEs in January were junk, with many posing a significant cybersecurity threat, according to analysis by IT managed services provider Cusken Sync IT.
The company examined over 385,000 emails across 120 domains and 3,500 mailboxes for the study, which revealed that just 224,725 or 58% of emails were genuine and legitimate.
Some 161,520 emails (42%) were flagged as spam, unsolicited or already policy-blocked by companies.
Furthermore, 1% of all emails contained a potential cybersecurity threat including phishing, malware, or an impersonation attempt.
“We’re constantly hearing about major international corporations being targeted by hackers, but Ireland’s SME community is just as exposed – and often less prepared,” said Joe Molloy, managing director at Cusken Sync IT.
“Our analysis from the first month of the year shows Irish SMEs are under significant, sophisticated, and sustained attack.
"Without strong cyber protection, these businesses are at real risk of financial loss, reputational damage, and business interruption.”
42% of emails received by Irish SMEs in January were junk.
Of the 161,520 junk emails, 56% (90,451) were policy-blocked, ie flagged automatically by the company IT system or firewall as containing sensitive information, potential malware or spam, and 42% (67,838) were spam.
"Irish businesses need to ensure they are regularly reviewing their cyber security protocols and ensuring effective threat protection and formal employee awareness training is in place", added Molloy.
Photo: Joe Molloy. (Pic: Supplied)
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