Where would we be without email? From exchanging business proposals to sharing personal moments, emails keep our lives and businesses humming along. But with its convenience comes a darker side – unfortunately, security threats are always present and cybersecurity crooks are always trying to sniff out weaknesses in email systems. That’s why Midland Computers is here to equip you with the tools and knowledge to keep your email and personal information safe and sound through robust email security.
Don’t Get Phished
Ever receive an email from your bank that looks real, but makes you raise an eyebrow? That’s a phishing attempt, where sly cybercriminals try to steal your personal information by impersonating a legitimate sender, like your bank, credit card company, or even a trusted colleague. Here’s the key: be suspicious of any unexpected emails, especially those asking for sensitive details like passwords, credit card numbers, or any personal info. Misspelled addresses, strange links, and generic greetings like “Dear Customer” are all red flags. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry – don’t click suspicious links or download dodgy attachments. If you’re unsure about an email’s legitimacy, it’s always best to contact the sender directly through a trusted channel, like a phone number you know is correct, to verify its authenticity.
Get Tough with Passwords
We’ve all heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: weak passwords are a golden ticket for cybercriminals. Ditch the birthday combos, and predictable patterns like “qwerty” or “password123” – those are cybercriminal snacks! Instead, create strong, unique passwords for each email account. Think of a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols – the more complex, the better. Try to use a passphrase instead of a password. A passphrase is a longer string of words that’s easy to remember for you but difficult for someone to guess. For example, instead of “Summer2024!”, try “SunshineBeachHolidays2024”. Consider using a password manager to help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
And don’t forget the ultimate security shield – two-factor authentication (2FA). This is the safety net and double lock on your inbox. When enabled, 2FA requires a second step of verification, like a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app, in addition to your password when logging in to your email account. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, even if a password is compromised.
Spot Spoofing
Ever get an email that seems to be from your boss, but it isn’t quite right? That could be email spoofing, where cybercriminals try to trick you by mimicking a trusted sender. They might use a sender name that closely resembles a legitimate sender or even forge the email address entirely. Spoofing is often used in conjunction with phishing attacks to increase their effectiveness. Organisations can fight back with tools like SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) – like a digital fingerprint for emails – to verify the sender’s identity and block imposters. However, as an individual user, you can still be vigilant. Look out for inconsistencies in the sender’s email address or unexpected requests within the email body.
Building a Robust Email Security Strategy
While these tips are a great starting point, a well-rounded email security strategy goes beyond individual vigilance. Here are some additional steps you and your organisation can take:
- Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Software updates often include critical security patches that fix vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals. Make sure your email client and operating system are always updated with the latest versions.
- Enable Automatic Email Scanning: Many email providers offer built-in spam and malware filters. Make sure these filters are enabled to automatically scan incoming emails for malicious content.
- Beware of Social Engineering Tactics: Cybercriminals often use social engineering tactics, like creating a sense of urgency or fear, to manipulate people into clicking on malicious links or downloading attachments. Be cautious of emails that pressure you to take immediate action or create a sense of panic.
- Report Phishing Attempts: If you receive a suspicious email, report it to your email provider or IT department. This helps them identify and block future phishing attempts.
- Educate Your Employees: Regular training sessions for employees about email security best practices are crucial for raising awareness and preventing them from falling victim to cyberattacks.
At Midland Computers, we are experts in digital security and provide email services that will work seamlessly with all modern industry-standard email clients, operating systems and mobile devices. Get in touch with our expert team today to boost your security and elevate your business email capabilities.