Why Email Security Should Be a Priority

Whether we’re reading an inbound email message, composing an outgoing one or just perusing our inbox, we spend a lot of time communicating via email. This makes email an enticing target for scammers and hackers who want to access our information and hard-earned money. Luckily, there are many ways to protect yourself from these online criminals.

Don’t Click Links from Unknown Senders

Plenty of organizations put links in emails–SageSure frequently uses them in the communications we send out. But if you receive an email from someone you don’t know, do not click on the links. Be especially cautious of suspicious links urging you to change a password or provide personal information. These can actually take you to sites mirroring trustworthy ones, tricking you into entering sensitive information that gets sent directly to a hacker, or can trigger the download of malware or another virus.

Never Open Unexpected Attachments

Attachments from unknown sources can also be hiding many types of viruses or malware. Never download or preview an attachment unless you know what it is and who sent it. Be particularly wary of anything that claims to be a bill or invoice, as these are common scams to make people worry they owe money.

Use Strong Passwords

Business email platforms, which typically are the most appealing targets for security breaches, have password character requirements and also must be changed frequently. This makes it much more difficult for the passwords to become compromised. Be sure to keep these same criteria in mind when creating personal passwords–use longer passwords, with a mix of numbers, special characters and both upper and lowercase letters.

Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks

Be very careful about what information you enter or access while on public Wi-Fi. Never input your password, banking or credit card information while on public Wi-Fi and be sure that the Wi-Fi at your home and company are fully secured.

Sometimes common sense is the best defense. Always trust your gut and use caution when something seems like it could be questionable. By just keeping these tips in mind, you can safely enjoy your email experience!