2021 was a record year, and not in a good way. The Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC) reported that there was a 68% increase in the number of data compromises in the US over 2020.
We all rely on email in our personal and working lives. But simple email security errors could make it easier for scammers and hackers to access your personal information. Let’s take a quick look at five common cyber threats and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Only Having One Email Account
Do you have a single email account that you use for everything from Walgreens emails to dealing with major clients? If so, that’s a mistake and one that’s easy to rectify.
Set up at least three email accounts along the following lines – business, friends and family, and shopping/online services. Having a dedicated business email account will make managing your email so much easier. Avoiding spam emails will be simpler, and it will help you to prioritize more effectively.
Protecting business data will also be easier as you can set up end-to-end encryption for confidential messages.
2. Falling for Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats we all have to face today. It happens when fraudsters send emails that appear to be from reputable businesses. They could purport to come from your bank or a trusted business that you use on a regular basis.
They have two goals. Firstly, they may try to extract personal information. Secondly, they may get you to unwittingly download malware onto your computer or business computer network.
Banks and other businesses fight against this by reminding us that they’ll never ask for sensitive information via email. If you’re ever unsure, head for the business’s genuine site and access customer services through that. You can also take online courses to educate yourself about how to avoid these scams.
3. Sharing Others’ Email Addresses
Do you know the difference between CC and BCC? If not, now’s the time to learn. If you use the wrong one, you could accidentally share confidential email addresses that bad actors can use to their malicious ends.
It’s usually best to only use CC in-house when emailing people in the same business. Everyone can see the other recipients’ email addresses. However, with BCC, no one can see who else received the email.
BCC should be your go-to when communicating with a mailing list of subscribers. The takeaway is, if in doubt, always use BCC.
4. Not Updating Your Password
Still got the same weak password you’ve been using since high school? This opens you up to attack.
Make use of email security tools that can help you to generate a strong password and change it regularly.
5. Not Using End-to-End Encryption
Another awesome feature of email security tools is end-to-end encryption. This does not come as standard, and you’ll need to investigate a package or email system that works for you.
It allows you to send confidential information securely, as only you and the recipient are able to decode the emails.
Avoid Email Security Errors
These email security errors are super common, but with a few tweaks, you can avoid them. If this has raised some red flags in your mind, don’t delay.
For more helpful hints and tips on cyber security, check out our Tech section today!
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