Over 1 in 20 emails are malicious, warns internet giant Cloudflare

Overview

Cloudflare has reported a significant concern regarding email security, revealing that over 5% of global emails were classified as malicious in 2025. This figure reached a peak of nearly 10% in November of the same year, highlighting a troubling trend in the prevalence of harmful emails. Notably, more than half of these malicious emails contained deceptive links, which poses a serious threat to users and organizations alike.

The Findings

In its recent analysis, Cloudflare provided insights into the state of email security, focusing on the volume of malicious emails circulating globally. The data indicates that a substantial portion of emails sent worldwide is not legitimate, which raises serious implications for cybersecurity.

The report indicates that the rate of malicious emails was observed to exceed 5% throughout the year 2025, with a concerning spike occurring in November when the rate approached 10%. This sharp increase highlights a potential seasonal trend or a specific event that may have contributed to the rise in malicious activity during that month.

A critical aspect of the report is the nature of the malicious emails. More than half of these emails were found to contain deceptive links. This suggests that cybercriminals are increasingly relying on phishing tactics, where unsuspecting recipients may be tricked into clicking links that could lead to compromised accounts or exposure to malware. The prevalence of such tactics underscores the need for heightened awareness and improved security measures among email users.

From author

The findings from Cloudflare serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in the realm of email security. As the volume of malicious emails continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant. The data not only illustrates the current state of threats but also calls for a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Given the alarming statistics, it is crucial for users to adopt best practices when handling emails. This includes being cautious when clicking on links, verifying the authenticity of the sender, and utilizing security tools designed to detect and filter out malicious communications.

Moreover, organizations may need to reevaluate their email security protocols, providing training for employees to recognize phishing attempts and implementing robust filtering systems to mitigate risks associated with malicious emails.

Impact on the crypto market

• The increase in malicious emails could lead to heightened concerns about cybersecurity within the cryptocurrency sector, where email communication is often used for transactions and account management.
• If cybercriminals exploit email vulnerabilities to target crypto exchanges or wallets, it may result in significant financial losses for users and companies alike.
• The rise in phishing tactics may deter new users from entering the crypto market, as fears of scams and hacks could overshadow the potential benefits of cryptocurrency investments.
• Enhanced awareness of email threats could prompt crypto businesses to invest more in cybersecurity measures, potentially leading to increased operational costs.
• As malicious emails become more sophisticated, the need for advanced security solutions in the crypto space may drive innovation and the development of new protective technologies.