Red Sift’s definitive guide to email security

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Last updated: October 2025

What is this email security guide & why does email security matter?

Email is a vital tool for the lifeblood of business communication all around the world. It’s so critical to the everyday running of organizations big and small, that many would agree it’s just as essential a service as electricity or water.

But its importance is exactly what makes email vulnerable from a cybersecurity perspective. With 3.4 billion phishing emails sent every day, it's evident that email systems are the prime target for cybercriminals seeking access to your business. All it takes is a single employee  to fall victim to a socially engineered scam, click on an infected link, or download a malicious attachment, and your entire operation could grind to a halt.

Given how important it is for organizations to secure their email, we’ve developed this comprehensive guide to help both beginners and buyers with their email security related queries. In the following chapters, you’ll find in-depth information on:

  • How attackers exploit weak gateways, misconfigured DNS records, and unmonitored domains
  • Why SPF, DKIM, and DMARC work best together, and how MTA-STS strengthens transport security
  • The buyer checklist: reporting depth, automation, policy enforcement, ROI, and time to value

Happy reading!

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If you're an email security architect or an analyst looking for a more technical guide, visit our Technical Email Configuration Guide. This comprehensive handbook explores SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MTA-STS, and more, offering insights and practical tips for enhancing your email security posture.