In today’s digital age, email has become a ubiquitous part of our lives. We use it for everything from communication with friends and family to professional correspondence and even online shopping. However, with the convenience of email comes the risk of cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and hacking. In this blog post, we will explore some essential tips to help you use email safely and securely.
10 email tips to stay safer
1. Use a strong password: The first step in securing your email is to use a strong, unique password. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “1234” or “password.” Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s also a good idea to use a different password for each of your accounts. You should also avoid using words or phrases that are easily tied to you. Don’t use your kids names or a pet name. Stay away from using the city you live in or what that elementary school you went to,
2. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your email account. It requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or other device in addition to your password. This way, even if someone knows your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the code.
3. Be wary of suspicious emails: Phishing scams are a common way for hackers to gain access to your account or personal information. Be cautious of emails that ask for personal information or contain links or attachments from unknown senders. If in doubt, don’t click on the link or attachment and contact the sender to verify the email’s legitimacy.
4. Keep your software up to date: Make sure to keep your email software and operating system up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This will ensure that any known security vulnerabilities are patched, reducing the risk of hackers exploiting them. This will also help to keep you system running as well as it can.
5. Use a VPN: If you’re using public Wi-Fi to access your email, use a VPN to encrypt your connection. This will prevent anyone from intercepting your emails or other sensitive information. While you could use one of the free VPN out there it is advisable to use one that you have to pay for. Paid ones tend to be more reliable and more secure. Even with a VPN it is not advisable to do anything that has sensitive information using public Wi-Fi.
6. Use encrypted email: Some email providers offer encrypted email services that use end-to-end encryption to secure your messages. This means that only the sender and recipient can read the messages, making it much harder for hackers to intercept them.
7. Don’t share sensitive information: Never share sensitive information like your passwords, social security number, or bank account information over email. Instead, use secure messaging platforms or encrypted email services.
8. Use separate email accounts: If you use your email for both personal and professional communication, consider using separate email accounts. This way, you can keep your personal and work emails separate, reducing the risk of hackers gaining access to both.
9. Back up your emails: Make sure to regularly back up your emails to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This way, if your email account is hacked or compromised, you’ll still have a copy of your emails.
10. Be vigilant: Finally, always be vigilant and aware of the risks associated with email. Stay up to date on the latest cyber threats and take appropriate measures to protect your email account and personal information.
In conclusion, email is an essential tool for communication in today’s world, but it also comes with risks. By following these tips, you can use email safely and securely and reduce the risk of cyber threats. Remember to always be vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect your personal information and accounts.
Check out our post on password tips