Email remains one of the weakest links in an organization's cybersecurity defense. According to a 2024 whitepaper by Osterman Research, organizations experience an average of 5.7 successful phishing incidents and 5.6 account compromises per 1,000 employees annually. Even more concerning, 48% of organizations lack confidence in their current email security protections, while only 34.4% are fully compliant with applicable regulations.
Understanding the stakes for healthcare organizations
For healthcare organizations, email security breaches can have devastating consequences beyond data loss. As the report notes, successful attacks can affect "actions in the physical world, not merely data," potentially impacting patient care and safety. With email serving as the primary attack vector for 75% of all cybersecurity threats, healthcare organizations must address common security mistakes to protect both patient data and operational integrity.
"Corporate emails, targeted through phishing and weaponized malware, are the main entry point for most breaches," notes Art Ocain, vice president of service delivery at cybersecurity company Airiam, in a Forbes interview.
1. Assuming emails are safe by default
According to Osterman Research, more than half of organizations operate under the flawed assumption that messages and files are safe by default. For healthcare organizations, this dangerous assumption leaves them vulnerable to sophisticated attacks that bypass traditional security measures.
The fix
Implement a "malicious by default" approach to email security. Paubox Email Suite Plus automatically encrypts all outbound emails and includes inbound security that examines every email before it reaches users' inboxes.
2. Inadequate security technology
The research reveals that 77.6% of organizations recognize they need better email security technologies, with this being the top-rated issue hindering effective protection. Healthcare organizations often rely on outdated security measures that fail to address modern threats.
The fix
Implement advanced security capabilities that preclude threats by design. Paubox provides:
- ExecProtect to stop display name spoofing
- DomainAge to detect newly registered malicious domains
- Real-time link scanning and URL rewriting
3. Over-reliance on training alone
The Osterman report reveals that despite cybersecurity awareness training, over a quarter of organizations still experience successful email attacks. Training, while necessary, isn't sufficient as a standalone defense against sophisticated threats targeting healthcare data.
The fix
Combine training with advanced technical controls. Paubox Email Suite Plus provides comprehensive protection against sophisticated email threats while maintaining HIPAA compliance. Its seamless integration means staff can focus on patient care rather than complex security procedures.
4. Insufficient compliance measures
Only 34.4% of organizations believe they are fully compliant with applicable regulations. For healthcare organizations subject to HIPAA and other privacy requirements, this compliance gap creates significant legal and operational risks.
The fix
Implement comprehensive compliance protocols. Paubox helps ensure HIPAA compliance through:
- Automatic encryption of all emails
- Detailed security and compliance reporting
- BAA agreements
- Regular security updates and monitoring
Best practices moving forward
The report indicates that organizations aspire to achieve five times higher confidence in their email security protections within 12 months. To achieve this, healthcare organizations should:
- Enhance visibility: While 71.6% of organizations lack visibility into email-borne threats, Paubox's detailed reporting and analytics dashboard provides clear insight into threat patterns and security events, helping organizations identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
- Address resource gaps: 74.8% of organizations cite a lack of professional skills as a barrier to effective email security. Paubox's managed security services and help center bridge this gap, providing expert assistance when needed.
Learn more: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services
FAQs
How does Paubox's inbound security differ from traditional solutions?
Unlike traditional solutions that rely solely on threat detection, Paubox employs multiple security layers including ExecProtect, DomainAge verification, and real-time link scanning to prevent threats before they reach users' inboxes.
What makes Paubox particularly suitable for healthcare organizations?
Paubox is specifically designed for healthcare, offering HIPAA compliance, seamless integration with existing email systems, and security features that don't interfere with clinical workflows. It includes a signed BAA and maintains the highest level of email security while remaining user-friendly.
How quickly can we implement Paubox's email security solution?
Paubox can be implemented within 15 minutes with minimal disruption to your operations. The solution works with your existing email provider and requires no change in how staff send or receive emails.
