As businesses increasingly rely on cloud-based email platforms like Microsoft 365, hackers exploit vulnerabilities in domains to conduct sophisticated attacks. In this article, we cover the new threat of hijacked domains and its application in bypassing traditional security controls for securing email. It covers important attack channels, including phishing, distribution of malware, and financial fraud through impersonation of domains. Threats posed through compromised domains, including financial loss and loss of reputation, are addressed together with statistics drawn from the 2024 Domain Security Report. Best practice for countering such a threat, including use of DNSSEC, locking of registries, and multi-layered security, is examined in detail in this report. Finally, it identifies security capabilities of Microsoft 365 in protecting against attack through domains, including continuous real-time monitoring and predictive threat intelligence. As an important source of information for IT professionals and executives interested in securing cloud email, this report is a key tool for them.
About Guardian Digital
Guardian Digital offers an email security-as-a-service model that protects against threats to data integrity and privacy. Their services include multiple layers of real-time protection, policy-based encryption, and zero-day threat protection.
https://guardiandigital.com/microsoft-365-email-security
https://www.cscdbs.com/assets/pdfs/2024-Domain-Security-Report-EN.pdf
https://guardiandigital.com/cloud-email-security
https://guardiandigital.com/cloud-email-security
https://guardiandigital.com/resources/must-read-blog-posts/demystifying-phishing-attacks
https://guardiandigital.com/resources/blog/top-malware-strains-and-how-to-mitigate-them
How Microsoft 365 Email Security Can Prevent
Domain Hijacking and Phishing Attacks
Cybercriminals increasingly find sophisticated ways to breach email security as businesses rely on
cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft 365. The 2024 Domain Security Report shows that hijacked
domains are a threat to businesses. Domain hijacking is one of the most common cybercrime
techniques. Combining the trust of familiar domains with the ability to scale Cloud Email Security
Services allows attackers to pose as trusted contacts while causing serious harm.
The Growing Threat of Domain Hijacking in Cloud Email Services
Cloud-based email services can be dangerous because they look legitimate and easily bypass
traditional filters. This can confuse users and security personnel. This article gives a thorough
overview of how such attacks typically unfold.
Phishing: Cybercriminals send convincing emails using compromised domains in order to trick their
victims into divulging sensitive information. Domains that look like natural domains can bypass
security and surprise victims.
Malware can be distributed by hitting malware in hijacked domains or through direct users. The user
can download malicious files or visitalware that appear to be h but is infected with malwarearmlessly.
Cybercriminals pose as senior executives and suppliers using false domain names and demanding
wire transfer payments. They use fake domains that appear legitimate, creating an environment
where huge losses can occur. Cybercriminals use "dangling DNS vulnerability" to host malware on
what appears to be trusted domains.
https://guardiandigital.com/resources/blog/impact-of-an-attack-combating-a-data-breach
https://www.cscdbs.com/en/resources-news/domain-security-report/
Effective Strategies to Prevent Domain Hijacking
Domain hijacking scams can lead to significant financial losses. They often involve wire transfers
and payments made to unauthorized accounts. Criminals use domain impersonators to disable cloud
email security and trick employees into sending funds to an unidentified account.
Hacked domains have long-term consequences that go beyond the financial. When partners or
customers start receiving emails from familiar email domains, they lose confidence in cloud-based
services. This can have long-lasting consequences that are difficult to recover from.
Compromise domains are a gateway for data breaches. Phishing attacks on Microsoft 365 emails
expose sensitive information and put businesses at risk for compliance or legal issues. Security
measures are necessary to prevent these incidents.
According to the Domain Security Report 2024, 80% of domains similar to famous names have been
registered by third parties. These domains have active MX Records, making them attractive targets
for attackers.
Best Practices for Protecting Domains From Hijacked Activity
Secure Protocols: Microsoft 365 security relies on registry locks to maintain your domain integrity.
DNSSEC: DNSSEC authenticates DNS response, prevents hijacking DNS domain names, and
provides essential email security.
CAA Records: Limit the number of certificate authorities that can issue domain certificates. This will
reduce the chances of an attacker obtaining unauthorized domain certificates.
https://guardiandigital.com/multi-tiered-security-policy-controls
https://guardiandigital.com/resources/faq/what-is-cybersecurity-monitoring-why-do-you-need-it
https://guardiandigital.com/advanced-threat-protection
Advancing Cloud Email Security: Proactive Protection Against
Threats
Layered Defence strategies use various protocols, including DMARC DNSSEC Registry locks and
real-time monitors, to improve security for cloud-based emails.
Continuous Monitoring detects unapproved changes and abnormal activities within an IT network. It
can send real-time notifications to IT personnel so they can take action to stop the shady activity.
Predictive Modelling Utilizes algorithms to monitor patterns of domain activity, assisting
administrators with Microsoft 365 Email Security Services through proactive threat detection.
How Cloud-Based Email Security Can Prevent Domain Hijacking
To eliminate the threat of hijacked sites, proactive security is required. DMARC, registry lockout, and
constant monitoring can be used to improve security. Advanced email security helps you manage
threats while protecting your data and information. Discover how One Cloud Email Security protects
user data and information from hijacked domains.
Microsoft 365 Email Security Services is a cloud-based email protection solution that will protect
your organization against the growing risk of domain hacking and help you maintain customer trust
and digital communication integrity.