What is suspicious email traffic?

Suspicious email traffic refers to patterns or behaviors in email communications that indicate potential security threats or unauthorized activities. The concept of sending unauthorized emails to foreign destinations fits this definition well because it suggests that there may be an intentional attempt to leak sensitive information, conduct espionage, or engage in cybercriminal activities. Such actions are concerning from a counterintelligence perspective, as they can compromise an organization’s data integrity and security.

In contrast, downloading sensitive information, while potentially problematic, does not specifically relate to email traffic. Accidental information exposure is more about unintentional leaks rather than the behavior of sending emails. Modifying data within a system pertains to internal changes rather than external email communications. Therefore, the focus on unauthorized emails aimed at foreign destinations directly aligns with identifying and understanding potential threats from email traffic in a counterintelligence context.