What is Zero Click?
Zero Click is a type of cyberattack that enables hackers to infiltrate a system without requiring any action from the user, such as clicking or interacting with the content. Unlike traditional attack methods like phishing emails, where attackers must lure victims into clicking on malicious links, Zero Click attacks occur as soon as the email is opened. Hackers exploit undiscovered or unpatched Zero-day vulnerabilities, turning the email into a gateway for system intrusion.
According to Gartner, the rate of email attacks increased by 35% in 2023, with many of these attacks leveraging Zero-day vulnerabilities. Zero Click is quickly becoming the preferred method for cybercriminals due to its high effectiveness and ability to bypass traditional security systems.
Zero Click in the Context of Email Attacks
Email is an indispensable communication channel for organizations and individuals alike, making it a primary target for cyberattacks. According to research by Forrester, over 90% of cyberattacks originate from email, with 37% classified as Zero Click attacks. With this type of attack, hackers can infiltrate systems without requiring any action from the user, significantly increasing the complexity of defense measures.
Zero Click attacks are increasingly sophisticated and challenging to detect using traditional methods. A notable example of a Zero Click email attack is the CVE-2023-23397 vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook, as reported by Security Week. This vulnerability allows malware to activate automatically when a user opens an email in the preview pane, without requiring any action from the user. The hacker group APT28, believed to be linked to the Russian military intelligence agency, has exploited this weakness to target organizations in several NATO member countries from 2022 to 2023, focusing on sensitive entities such as defense ministries and critical industries.
How Zero Click attacks work via Email
Zero Click attacks via email exploit vulnerabilities within email systems, particularly through dangerous attachments like PDFs, Excel files, or links containing JavaScript or ActiveX code. When a user opens an email, malicious code can automatically activate and begin infiltrating the system, taking advantage of unpatched security flaws. For instance, JavaScript may be embedded in the email to automatically download malware without any user action.
The Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report highlights that 60% of email attacks occur due to unpatched vulnerabilities. Additionally, HTML files in emails can also trigger malware when opened, making it crucial to maintain and update security systems consistently.
Consequences of Zero Click attacks
The consequences of Zero Click attacks can be severe, ranging from the theft of personal and financial information to complete control over a system. The 2023 Verizon report indicates that email attacks, such as Zero Click, can result in an average damage of $4.35 million per data breach. This is especially perilous for industries with high-security requirements, such as finance, logistics, import-export, healthcare, and government.
Another example cited in the report involves ransomware attacks, where hackers utilize Zero Click methods to infiltrate systems, encrypt data, and demand ransom. In these cases, ransomware accounted for over 27% of incidents, forcing many organizations to face recovery and compensation costs amounting to millions of dollars due to a single basic click.
Hackers can steal login credentials, gain remote control over systems, and even spread malware to other systems within the organization, resulting in damage not only in financial terms but also in reputation and customer trust.
How to prevent Zero Click attacks
Although Zero Click attacks are challenging to detect and prevent, several effective measures can help mitigate risks:
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Regular Software Updates: Software vendors frequently release security patches, especially for Zero-day vulnerabilities. According to Forrester, over 70% of email attacks could be prevented if operating systems and software are kept up to date.
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Utilize Advanced Email Security Solutions: Email security tools that leverage artificial intelligence can detect suspicious behavior in emails and block attacks before they reach the inbox. Gartner has indicated that organizations using advanced email security solutions can reduce their risk by 85%, particularly those solutions certified by global email security standards.
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Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness: A study by the Ponemon Institute revealed that organizations with cybersecurity awareness training programs can reduce their risk of attack by 40% compared to those without. Raising awareness about Zero Click attacks can help employees avoid opening emails from untrusted sources.
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Monitor Systems and Intrusion Detection: In addition to utilizing email security solutions, organizations should implement monitoring and intrusion detection systems (IDS/IPS) to track unusual behavior. This helps identify potential attacks in real-time and prevent damage before it occurs.
Upgrade to an advanced defense layer instead of traditional Email protection with Mail Inspector Platform
As sophisticated cyberattacks, such as Zero Click and Zero-day exploitations, continue to rise, email security solutions must not only be effective but also adhere to global email security standards. The Mail Inspector Platform, featuring the standout ReceiveGuard filter, is a pioneering solution designed to protect emails from these threats while fully meeting 100% of the requirements set by global email security standards.
The power of the ReceiveGuard filter
The ReceiveGuard filter is specifically designed to handle incoming emails, where hackers often seek to exploit undiscovered vulnerabilities. With its real-time URL inspection and analysis capabilities, the system automatically converts suspicious links into images, effectively preventing malware activation even when the email is opened without any user interaction. This feature is crucial, especially for Zero Click attacks, where malware can be triggered without any clicks. With this capability, the ReceiveGuard filter becomes a formidable defense wall, blocking hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities to infiltrate systems.
Another standout aspect of the ReceiveGuard filter is its integration of advanced technologies like machine learning and AI. These technologies enable the system to analyze email behavior, from headers and IP addresses to character strings that exhibit signs of spoofing. As a result, the system can detect and prevent attacks such as phishing, Advanced Persistent Threats (APT), and Business Email Compromise (BEC), while also adhering to the strict requirements of global email security standards. This is particularly important in minimizing the risk of exploiting Zero-day vulnerabilities.
Moreover, the EG-Platform ensures detailed verification of all elements within an email, including headers, IP addresses, and URLs, to identify manipulated or spoofed information. This is especially critical in combating attacks that employ social engineering techniques, where hackers impersonate legitimate emails to deceive users into taking dangerous actions. With the ReceiveGuard filter, such threats are detected and thwarted early, providing maximum protection for users.
Fully Compliant 100% with Global Email Security Standards
The global email security standards established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) mandate that solutions must be capable of detecting Zero-day malware, which exploits undiscovered vulnerabilities. The EG-Platform not only meets these criteria but also integrates cutting-edge security technologies to ensure that every potential threat is identified and neutralized as soon as it appears.
Exceeding the rigorous demands of global email security standards, the EG-Platform offers a comprehensive email security solution. It effectively safeguards users against Zero Click threats, Zero-day vulnerabilities, and a wide range of other sophisticated attack methods. With its advanced technologies and thorough analytical capabilities, the EG-Platform is the optimal choice for organizations and businesses committed to protecting their data and email communications in today’s challenging cybersecurity landscape.
Take Action Now to Prevent Zero Click Attacks
Zero Click attacks via email represent not just a security challenge, but a tangible threat that can have severe consequences for organizations. The fact that these attacks require no user interaction makes them difficult to detect and prevent, significantly increasing the risk of undetected breaches. However, this does not mean that solutions are unavailable.
To mitigate these risks, businesses must take immediate action by implementing the recommended measures and utilizing advanced email security solutions like the EG-Platform. With its comprehensive protection against Zero Click threats and Zero-day vulnerabilities, the EG-Platform stands out as one of the most advanced solutions for safeguarding systems against potential dangers.
Don’t let your organization become the next victim. Start today by adopting robust security measures that comply with 100% of global email security standards to ensure your data and reputation remain intact against these sophisticated attacks.