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Here, we’ll share a variety of steps you can take to protect yourself and your business from the dangers that beset email as a means of communication.
Don’t Open Suspicious Attachments or Links
Be wary of email attachments or links that seem suspicious, or come from a source that’s unfamiliar (or one you don’t trust). Such items may contain malware, or (in the case of links) lead to phishing websites where your information could be stolen. When in doubt, confirm with the supposed sender before deciding whether or not to click on the link or document.Set Up Accounts for Specific Uses
It’s a good idea to use separate accounts for different purposes. For example, you could have one email address for work, another for personal use, and a third for subscriptions and other less important things. This lets you distil the risks that may come from these varying sources.Double Check Emails that Request Sensitive Information
Scammers are always looking for new ways to elicit important personal information from unsuspecting individuals. They often intend to use this kind of information as a means of or cover for stealing money or committing some other crime. As we advised with suspicious links, make sure to verify that requests for sensitive information are coming from a good-intentioned source that you can trust.Review Email Subscriptions
If you’re subscribed to more email newsletters than you care to read, now’s the time to unsubscribe and delete the ones you’re not reading. With too many messages clogging your inbox, it could become more difficult to catch emails that pose a security risk. Spam filters can help you here, by ensuring that only emails you consider important reach your main inbox.Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Log Out After Using Public Computers
Here’s another important email security tip worth taking note of. Don’t leave after using a public or shared computer until you’ve logged out of your email account. If you don’t log out, you’ll potentially give strangers access to it, and there’s no telling what could happen after that.Don’t Check Your Email with Public WiFi
Public WiFi is typically not secure. That means online activities carried out on it are at risk of being snooped on by ill-intentioned persons. So, it’s not a good idea to open your emails on that sort of connection. But if you must, make sure to use a VPN. This should provide you with some network security.Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Your passwords should be complex enough that they’re hard to guess, but not so complex that you struggle to remember them. Ideally, they’ll be a combination of letters, numbers, and other characters. Also, use unique passwords for each of your email accounts. This makes it difficult for hackers to access multiple accounts.Review Email Security Settings
Periodically review the security settings of your email account. Depending on your current needs, you may want to adjust two-factor authentication, filters, and recovery options. This way, you’ll be proactive with email security, and prevent threats from materializing.Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
Final Words
Email has become a big part of our lives. We use it so frequently that we tend to forget its vulnerabilities. But we must stay vigilant when interacting with our emails. Taking precautionary steps will save you the losses and stress that come with security breaches. You can follow the email security tips we’ve covered here to stay several steps ahead of malicious agents and be safe from their activities.Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com