35 Email Security Threat Statistics Every E-commerce Brand Must Know in 2026

Data-driven analysis of email-borne threats, financial impacts, and why inbox placement matters more than ever for revenue protection

Email remains the backbone of e-commerce communication, yet it's also the primary attack vector for cybercriminals targeting businesses and consumers alike. With over 333 billion emails exchanged daily worldwide, the opportunity for both legitimate commerce and malicious exploitation has never been greater. For e-commerce brands relying on email marketing to drive revenue, understanding these threats is essential—not just for security, but for ensuring your legitimate marketing emails actually reach the Primary inbox where customers see them. Mailmend helps brands protect their email revenue by ensuring campaigns bypass Gmail's Promotions tab and land where they belong.

Key Takeaways

• Email attacks drove record losses in 2024 – Total cybercrime losses reached $16.6 billion, with email-based threats accounting for over $4 billion in combined damages

• Phishing dominates the threat landscape – 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent daily, making inbox security critical for both recipients and senders

• Business Email Compromise costs are staggering – BEC attacks caused $2.77 billion in losses across 21,442 incidents in 2024

• Human error enables most breaches – 95% of data breaches are caused by human mistakes, highlighting the need for proper training and systems

• DMARC failures expose brands to risk – 79% of breached domains had ineffective DMARC protection, impacting both security and deliverability

• AI is changing the threat landscape – 78% of CISOs report significant impact from AI-powered threats

• Email deliverability directly impacts revenue – Brands that ensure their emails reach the Primary inbox see 50-100% increases in email-driven revenue

Understanding the Landscape of Email-Borne Threats: A Statistical Overview

1. One in four emails is malicious or unwanted spam

Barracuda researchers analyzed nearly 670 million emails during February 2026 and found that 1 in 4 emails was either malicious or unwanted spam. This staggering ratio means email recipients must constantly navigate a minefield of potential threats, while legitimate senders face the challenge of standing out from malicious noise.

2. Total cybercrime losses hit $16.6 billion in 2024

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that total cybercrime losses reached a record $16.6 billion in 2024, representing a 33% increase from the previous year. Email-based attacks remain the primary delivery mechanism for the majority of these crimes.

3. IC3 received 859,532 complaints with $19,372 average loss

The FBI documented 859,532 cybercrime complaints in 2024, with an average reported loss of $19,372 per incident. These figures represent only reported cases—actual losses are likely significantly higher.

4. Email security market growing from $5.17B to $13.22B by 2032

The global email security market was valued at $5.17 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $13.22 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 12.47%. This growth reflects increasing recognition of email-borne threats across industries.

5. 85% of organizations faced at least one phishing attack

Around 85% of organizations faced at least one phishing attack in 2024. The near-universal targeting of businesses makes email security not just a technical concern but a fundamental business requirement.

The Financial Impact of Email Security Breaches: Quantifying the Cost to Businesses

6. Business Email Compromise caused $2.77 billion in losses

BEC attacks caused $2.77 billion in losses across 21,442 incidents in 2024, making it the second costliest cybercrime category. These attacks often impersonate trusted senders to trick employees into transferring funds or revealing sensitive information.

7. 64% of businesses report BEC attacks with $150,000 average loss

Research shows 64% of businesses report facing BEC attacks in 2024, with a typical financial loss averaging $150,000 per incident. This per-incident cost can devastate small and mid-size e-commerce operations.

8. BEC incidents surged to 73% of all reported cyber incidents

BEC incidents accounted for 73% of cyber incidents in 2024, up from 44% in 2023—a 64% rise year-over-year. This dramatic increase underscores the sophistication and targeting of email-based attacks.

9. Phishing losses surged 274% from $18.7M to $70M

Phishing-related losses surged from $18.7 million in 2023 to $70 million in 2024, representing a 274% increase. This exponential growth demonstrates how threat actors continue refining their techniques.

10. Personal data breaches caused $1.45 billion in losses

Personal data breaches, many resulting from email compromise, caused $1.45 billion in losses across 64,882 reports in 2024. For e-commerce brands, such breaches can destroy customer trust and trigger regulatory penalties.

Phishing and Spear Phishing: Leading Causes of Email-Related Data Breaches

11. 3.4 billion phishing emails sent globally every day

An estimated 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent globally every day. This massive volume makes phishing the most common form of email-based attack and explains why legitimate marketing emails often get caught in spam filters.

12. Phishing and spoofing led all complaint types with 193,407 incidents

Phishing and spoofing led all cybercrime complaint types with 193,407 incidents reported to the FBI in 2024. This volume highlights why email authentication and proper sender reputation matter for legitimate businesses.

13. 1 in every 99 emails is a phishing attempt

According to industry analysis, 1 in 99 emails is a phishing attempt in 2024. For e-commerce brands sending thousands of legitimate marketing emails, this means competing for inbox space with a constant stream of malicious messages.

14. 96% of organizations experienced at least one phishing attack

A striking 96% of organizations experienced at least one phishing attack in the last year, with 52% believing these threats to be more sophisticated than ever before. The near-universal targeting makes protective measures essential.

15. Seniors lost $4.8 billion to cybercrime, up 43%

Individuals aged 60 and older filed 147,127 complaints in 2024, with losses totaling $4.8 billion—a 43% increase from the previous year. This demographic is particularly vulnerable to email-based scams that impersonate trusted brands.

Malware, Ransomware, and Advanced Persistent Threats via Email: Statistical Analysis

16. 94% of malware is delivered through email attachments

Research confirms that 94% of malware is delivered through email attachments. This overwhelming majority makes email the primary vector for malware distribution across all industries.

17. 87% of binary files detected in emails were malicious

An alarming 87% of binary files detected in emails were malicious, highlighting the need for strict policies against executable files in email communications.

18. 83% of malicious Microsoft 365 documents contain QR codes

Analysis reveals that 83% of malicious documents contain QR codes that lead to phishing websites. This evolution in attack methods bypasses traditional text-based detection.

19. HTML files have a 23% malicious rate

HTML files attached to emails have a high malicious rate of 23% and are often used for phishing and credential theft. This file type has become increasingly popular among attackers.

20. Email-delivered ransomware surged 67% year-over-year

Email-delivered ransomware incidents surged by 67% year-over-year in 2024. Despite overall ransomware declines, email remains a primary delivery mechanism for these devastating attacks.

21. Infostealers delivered via phishing increased 84%

There was an 84% increase in infostealers delivered via phishing emails per week in 2024 versus 2023. These credential-harvesting tools enable subsequent account takeovers and data breaches.

The Role of Human Error in Email Security Incidents: Key Statistics

22. 95% of all data breaches are caused by human error

Research indicates that 95% of data breaches are caused by human error. This statistic underscores why technical solutions alone cannot solve email security challenges.

23. 87% report security awareness training helps employees spot attacks

Organizations implementing training programs report that 87% of employees can better spot cyberattacks after receiving proper security awareness education.

24. 66% are concerned about insider-related data loss

A majority 66% of organizations are concerned that data loss from insiders will increase in 2026, highlighting the ongoing challenge of internal threats alongside external attacks.

25. 20% of companies experience account takeover incidents monthly

Research shows that 20% of companies experience at least one account takeover incident each month. These compromised accounts are then used to send phishing emails that bypass security filters.

26. 30% of intrusions use valid credentials

Identity-based attacks make up 30% of total intrusions, with nearly one in three attacks using valid accounts obtained through phishing or credential theft.

Email Authentication Failures: DMARC, SPF, and DKIM Adoption Rates and Vulnerabilities

27. 79% of breached domains had ineffective DMARC protection

A critical finding shows that 79% of breached domains had ineffective DMARC protection in 2026, a major jump from 65% in 2024. Proper authentication directly impacts both security and deliverability.

28. Manufacturing is the #1 targeted industry at 26% of attacks

Manufacturing remains the most targeted industry for the fourth consecutive year, representing 26% of all incidents in 2024. E-commerce brands in manufacturing supply chains face elevated risks.

29. Finance and insurance account for 23% of incidents

Finance and insurance ranked as the second most attacked industry, accounting for 23% of incidents in 2024. E-commerce brands handling payment data face similar targeting.

30. BFSI sector holds 25.62% of email security market share

The Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sector holds the largest market share of 25.62% in the email security market in 2024, reflecting the industry's prioritization of email protection.

Emerging Email Security Threats: Trends and Predictive Statistics

31. 78% of CISOs report significant impact from AI-powered threats

A recent survey shows that 78% of CISOs say AI-powered threats are having a significant impact on their organizations in 2026, up 5% from 2024.

32. Between 0.7% and 4.7% of phishing emails were AI-written

Analysis indicates that between 0.7% and 4.7% of phishing emails were written by AI in 2024. While still a minority, this percentage is expected to grow rapidly as AI tools become more accessible.

33. 81% are concerned about GenAI leading to sensitive data leaks

Organizations report that 81% are concerned about Generative AI leading to sensitive data leaks, creating new vectors for email-based threats.

34. ZIP and RAR attachments dropped 70% and 45% respectively

Malicious ZIP and RAR attachments dropped 70% and 45% respectively in 2024, as attackers shift to distributing malware via malicious URLs instead.

Ensuring Email Deliverability and Security for E-commerce: A Dual Challenge

35. Asia-Pacific experienced 34% of all attacks investigated

The Asia-Pacific region experienced the most attacks in 2024, accounting for 34% of all incidents investigated. Global e-commerce brands must consider regional threat variations in their security strategies.

For e-commerce brands, email security and deliverability are two sides of the same coin. The same authentication protocols that protect against spoofing (DMARC, SPF, DKIM) also influence whether your marketing emails reach the Primary inbox or get filtered to Promotions or spam.

When 79% of breached domains have ineffective DMARC protection, legitimate brands suffer twice: they become targets for impersonation attacks, and their own emails may face deliverability challenges due to authentication failures.

This is where Mailmend's proprietary technology provides significant value. By ensuring marketing emails bypass Gmail's Promotions tab and land in the Primary inbox, e-commerce brands have seen transformative results:

Dr. Squatch increased their email revenue by 112% escaping the promotions tab. In just 24 hours, Dr. Squatch ran a test to see how Mailmend was performing. Little did they know they were missing out on half the revenue they deserved.

• 42% increase in open rates

• 67% increase in CTR

StickerYou experienced a day 1 boost of 20% and a 100% increase by month 1. StickerYou was absolutely blown away by the results of Mailmend. After going through our videos and speaking to our team, they signed up.

• 64% increase in open rates

• 43% increase in CTR

Ministry of Supply saw results within a business day. Although skeptical at first, Ministry Of Supply was able to quickly get setup with Mailmend in a matter of business days and land in the inbox.

• 27% increase in open rates

• 30% increase in CTR

Larsson & Jennings credits Mailmend with saving their Black Friday. Anna was suffering from low open rates and click rates after they had a data failure in their ESP. They also had massive promotions tab issues. We came in and fixed ALL of it.

• 82% increase in open rates

• 51% increase in CTR

Amberjack said "It Actually Worked." Blake was looking for more incremental revenue after they noticed click rates take a dive. They ran some tests with Mailmend and instantly saw revenue shoot up.

• 54% increase in open rates

• 51% increase in CTR

Clevr Blends found it made a big difference. Clevr Blends was looking for an easy way to boost their email revenue after seeing low opens and clicks—so they came to Mailmend and saw amazing results.

• 21% increase in open rates

• 63% increase in CTR

The connection between security and deliverability matters because email filters designed to catch malicious messages often flag legitimate marketing emails as promotional or spam. With 1 in 4 emails being malicious or spam, filters are necessarily aggressive—and legitimate e-commerce emails can become collateral damage.

E-commerce brands serious about protecting and growing their email revenue should consider both security fundamentals and deliverability optimization. Contact Mailmend to learn how proprietary AI and custom Klaviyo-integrated code can move your campaigns from the Promotions tab to the Primary inbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of email security threats faced by businesses today?

The most prevalent threats include phishing (with 3.4 billion phishing emails sent daily), Business Email Compromise (causing $2.77 billion in losses in 2024), and malware delivery (94% of malware arrives via email attachments). These threats target both large enterprises and small e-commerce businesses.

How much does an average email security breach cost a business?

The average reported loss per cybercrime incident is $19,372, though BEC attacks average $150,000 per incident. Personal data breaches caused $1.45 billion in losses across all reported incidents in 2024. For e-commerce brands, breach costs extend beyond immediate losses to include reputational damage and customer churn.

What role does human error play in email security incidents?

Human error is responsible for 95% of data breaches, making it the dominant factor in security incidents. However, 87% of organizations report that security awareness training helps employees better identify threats, demonstrating that proper education can significantly reduce risk.

How effective are email authentication protocols like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM?

When properly implemented, these protocols significantly reduce spoofing and improve deliverability. However, 79% of breached domains had ineffective DMARC protection in 2026. For e-commerce brands, proper authentication is essential for both security and ensuring marketing emails reach customers' Primary inboxes rather than being filtered to Promotions or spam.

How can e-commerce brands ensure their marketing emails are both secure and delivered effectively?

E-commerce brands should implement proper email authentication (DMARC, SPF, DKIM), maintain clean sending practices, and consider solutions that optimize inbox placement. Mailmend's technology specifically addresses the Promotions tab problem by using proprietary AI to ensure marketing emails reach the Primary inbox, resulting in 50-100% increases in email revenue without requiring changes to email content or copy.