10 Email Security Best Practices for Small Businesses in South Africa

Email remains the primary communication tool for businesses, but it’s also a prime target of cyber-attacks. Small businesses in South Africa are particularly vulnerable, often lacking the robust defences used in bigger corporate enterprises.

Adopting best practices for email security can safeguard your operations and ensure seamless communication.

Here’s a practical guide to fortifying your email systems with modern security solutions using advanced threat protection and in-line API protection.

A secure email gateway acts as your first line of defence, filtering out spam, phishing attempts, spoofing and malicious attachments. Modern solutions like Avanan Email Security provide in-line API protection that directly integrates with your email platform, offering seamless, real-time threat detection.

Why it matters: Traditional gateways rely on outdated techniques. An API-based solution ensures better accuracy and fewer disruptions to your operations.

Unlike legacy email filters, in-line API protection integrates into the email flow, monitoring all inbound, outbound, and internal emails without delays. This advanced approach ensures that threats are neutralised before reaching users, enhancing email security without compromising performance.

Best for: Businesses using platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, where API integration is seamless and efficient.

Human error is a leading cause of data breaches. Regular training helps employees identify phishing emails, suspicious links, and spoofing attempts. Combine training with tools that provide real-time alerts about risky emails.

Pro tip: Look for email security solutions provider that understands your business and is able to better implement a solution for your business needs.

Adding a second layer of protection to your email accounts significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Modern email platforms now offer enforced 2FA solutions to improve your email security.

Bonus: An IT provider that understands the importance of using 2-factor authentication and enforces it for the good of your business.

Encryption ensures that emails remain unreadable to unauthorized parties during transit. Look for security solutions that automatically encrypt sensitive communications, offering ease of use for both sender and receiver.

Focus: Encryption is particularly crucial for industries like finance, healthcare, and legal services.

Modern secure email gateways leverage machine learning and threat intelligence to stay ahead of evolving attacks. Solutions like Avanan use global threat databases to block zero-day threats and other advanced attacks.

Action step: Choose a solution that provides proof-of-concept trials so you can see threat intelligence in action.

Many businesses overlook internal email threats, such as insider phishing attacks. In-line API solutions monitor and secure internal emails, ensuring that every message within your organization is safe.

Why it matters: Insider attacks are growing; securing internal communications is critical to maintaining trust and compliance.

Email security shouldn’t require a full-time IT team to manage. Modern solutions offer intuitive dashboards and automation features to simplify threat management and reporting.

Pro tip: Opt for tools with a user-friendly interface and real-time reporting to make monitoring and email trends effortless.

Before committing to an email security solution, request a proof of concept (PoC). This trial period allows you to test the tool’s functionality, integration with your existing systems, and overall performance.

Best practices for PoC: Test in a live environment to evaluate real-time threat detection and ease of use.

Cyber threats evolve constantly, so your email security strategy must keep up. Regular audits help identify gaps, while updates ensure your tools are ready to tackle new threats.

What to include in audits:

• Reviewing email security policies
• Ensuring software and gateways are up to date
• Testing API integrations for compatibility

Avanan’s secure email gateway offers:

• In-line API protection for unparalleled threat detection.
• Seamless integration with platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
• Proof-of-concept availability, so you can test the solution risk-free.
• Intuitive dashboards for easy management.

Investing in the right email security tools ensures your business can focus on growth while minimizing risks.

Email security is no longer optional – it’s a necessity. By adopting these ten best practices and leveraging advanced solutions like Avanan by Check Point, South African small businesses can protect their operations, secure communications, and build a resilient digital foundation.

Need help choosing the right email security solution? Contact us to explore how in-line API protection can transform your email defences!