People, Process, and Technology: Combating Email Cloning Scams

Cloned-email attacks exploit both technology and human behavior. Attackers who gain access to an internal email account can observe communication habits, identify patterns, and send messages that look authentic. Employees, naturally trusting familiar senders, may respond without verification.

These attacks are particularly effective because they exploit gaps in both technical defenses and human awareness. An unsuspecting employee may approve a financial transfer, share sensitive data, or execute a vendor request, assuming it’s part of a regular workflow.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Human-Focused Training: Conduct scenario-based exercises simulating cloned emails.

• Policy Enforcement: Implement mandatory verification for changes to payment details or vendor information.

• Technical Controls: Regularly audit forwarding rules, enforce MFA, and maintain email authentication protocols.

• Monitoring and Alerts: Track unusual account activity and logins from unexpected locations or devices.

• Culture of Verification: Encourage employees to confirm requests, even from senior leaders, via alternate channels.

Integrating human awareness with strong process controls and technical safeguards creates a layered defense. The combination reduces the likelihood that cloned-email attacks succeed and helps employees act as an informed first line of defense.

How CyberGrade Can Help
We specialize in helping organizations navigate the complexities of remote work security. Our vendor-agnostic approach allows us to assess your unique needs and recommend tailored solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks effectively.