Email is used by many businesses to send and receive sensitive information, making it an appealing target for cyberattacks. Implement the following email security measures to reduce your exposure to cyberthreats.
Use seperate email accounts
The majority of people use a single email account for all of their online activities. As a result, all information from websites, newsletters, shopping deals, and work messages are delivered to a single inbox. But what happens if someone gains access to that email account? Hackers could gain access to all stored data and linked online accounts and use them in fraudulent transactions.
To avoid this, set up two email accounts: one for personal communication with friends and family, and one for work-related tasks only.
Set strong passwords
Some email users frequently overlook the significance of strong email account passwords. Many people use weak passwords such as “123456,” “qwerty,” and “password” and reuse passwords across multiple accounts, which may surprise you. Use strong passwords that are unique to each account to keep all password-protected accounts safe.
You should also think about enabling two-factor authentication. This adds an additional layer of security by requesting another method of verifying your identity, such as a fingerprint scan or an answer to a security question.
Beware of email attachments and embedded links
If you see a link in an email, don’t click on it until you’ve verified its legitimacy. You never know where those hyperlinks will take you. They are sometimes safe, but they can also infect your computer with malware or redirect you to a compromised website.
Be cautious when downloading and opening email attachments. If the attachment comes from an unusual email address, such as “@yahoo6753.com,” it is most likely unsafe.
Watch out for phishing scams
In phishing scams, cybercriminals pose as someone else — usually a well-known company such as Amazon, Facebook, or Bank of America — in order to trick you into performing actions that allow them to compromise your accounts. They typically send emails designed to instil fear, such as claiming that there is a problem with your account and that you must send them information or click on a link to “confirm” your personal information. This link will either instal malware on your device or redirect you to a malicious website.
It is critical to remember that legitimate businesses would never make such requests via email. If you receive such messages, contact the company directly using a verified website or phone number rather than the contact information provided in the email.
Monitor account activity
Keep an eye on your account’s activity on a regular basis. Examine your logs for any suspicious activity, such as unusual devices or IP addresses that have accessed your account. These indicate that hackers may have gained access to your account. Sign out of all web sessions and change your password as soon as possible if this is the case.
Encrypt emails
Email encryption ensures that any message you send can’t be understood by unauthorized users, even if they manage to intercept it.
Keep all email security software up to date
Install the latest updates for your anti-malware, firewalls, and email security software. This will filter potential email scams and fix any vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
Implementing multiple email security measures can be daunting, but with our help, you can rest easy knowing that your email accounts will be protected from various cyberthreats. Talk to us today for all your cybersecurity needs.
