Cybersecurity Best Practices Around Email

Email is one of the most commonly used communication tools in the world. It is also one of the most commonly used attack vectors for cybercriminals. In 2022, there were an estimated 3.1 billion email attacks, resulting in billions of dollars in damage.

There are a number of things that you can do to protect yourself from email attacks. Here are some cybersecurity best practices around email:

  • Use strong passwords. Your email password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also never reuse passwords across different accounts.
  • Be careful about what you click on. Never click on links in emails from senders you don’t know or trust. If you’re not sure if an email is legitimate, you can hover your mouse over the link to see the actual URL. If the URL looks suspicious, don’t click on it.
  • Be careful about what you open. Never open attachments in emails from senders you don’t know or trust. Even if the attachment looks like it’s from a legitimate source, it could be infected with malware. If you’re not sure if an attachment is safe, you can scan it with an antivirus program.
  • Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from known vulnerabilities. Make sure to install software updates as soon as they’re available.
  • Use a spam filter. A spam filter can help to reduce the amount of spam that you receive. This can help to protect you from phishing attacks and other types of email scams.
  • Be aware of phishing attacks. Phishing attacks are emails that are designed to trick you into giving up personal information, such as your passwords or credit card numbers. Phishing emails often look like they’re from legitimate sources, such as your bank or credit card company. If you receive an email that asks for personal information, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, contact the company directly to verify the authenticity of the email.
  • Use two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your email account. When you enable 2FA, you’ll be required to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you sign in to your email account. This can help to protect your account from unauthorized access.

By following these cybersecurity best practices, you can help to protect yourself from email attacks.

In addition to the above, here are some other tips that can help to improve your email security:

  • Use a secure email client. There are a number of secure email clients available, such as ProtonMail and Tutanota. These clients offer features that can help to protect your privacy and security, such as end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication.
  • Be careful about what you share online. Be mindful of the information that you share online, especially in emails. Don’t share personal information, such as your home address or phone number, unless you absolutely have to.
  • Be aware of the risks of using public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure. If you must use public Wi-Fi, be sure to use a VPN to encrypt your traffic.
  • Back up your email regularly. This way, if you do fall victim to an attack, you won’t lose all of your important emails.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from email attacks and keep your personal information safe.

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