IN THE KNOW
EMAIL SECURITY
DECEMBER 7, 2023 | FRAUD PREVENTION
Email security involves various techniques for keeping sensitive information in emails secure against unauthorized access, loss, or compromise. Email is a popular tool for the spread of malware, spam, and phishing attacks. It is used to deliver false messages to entice recipients to reveal sensitive information, open attachments, or click on hyperlinks that either install malware on the victim's device or link them to a credential harvesting website.Email security is necessary for both individual and business email accounts, and there are multiple measures you should take to enhance your email security.
Use secure passwords. Securing your passwords will help keep your personal information out of the hands of potential hackers.
Install a trusted antivirus software. A trusted antivirus software can help protect your computers from viruses and spam that are potentially dangerous.
Use caution when opening attachments. Opening an attachment on an email requires a file to be downloaded on your computer. This is a commonly used method for fraudsters to install malware onto your computer without you even realizing it. If you don't recognize the sender or are unsure of what the attachment is, don't open the attachment.
Keep your email address private on social media or other public forums. Allowing your email address to be public on profiles means anyone can see it. This can increase your chances of becoming a target of potential scammers.
Do not reply to spam or phishing schemes. Phishing schemes are attempts by scammers to trick you into giving out personal information. Reputable sources will never ask for that information through email. If you suspect a phishing scheme or scam, do not open it. Delete it immediately, do not download attachments, never click links, and do not reply.
Be careful about public Wi-Fi. Open networks, or free wi-fi, are more susceptible to fraudsters or hackers and are sometimes even being provided by those individuals. Once a user connects to the Wi-Fi, the fraudster has access to all the information on the connected device.You are your first line of defense against fraud. Following these tips can help keep your personal information safe.