How do I keep my email safe from cyber threats?
Email is a primary target for cyber criminals due to its use in phishing, malware distribution, and identity theft.
Protecting your email helps prevent unauthorised access, data breaches, and financial loss.
🔹 Key Steps to Secure Your Email
1️⃣ Use a Strong & Unique Password 🔑
✅ Create a long password (12+ characters) with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
✅ Avoid using personal information (e.g., birthdays, names).
✅ Do NOT reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
🛠️ Use a Password Manager: Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass.
2️⃣ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 🔐
✅ Adds an extra layer of security beyond your password.
✅ Even if hackers steal your password, they cannot access your account without a second verification step.
✅ Use Authenticator Apps (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) instead of SMS for better security.
3️⃣ Beware of Phishing Emails 🎣
Phishing emails trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive data.
✅ Check the sender’s email address – Attackers may spoof official-looking emails.
✅ Hover over links before clicking – Ensure they lead to legitimate websites.
✅ Look for urgent or unusual requests – Be cautious of emails demanding immediate action.
✅ Never download unknown attachments – They may contain malware.
🛠️ Use Anti-Phishing Tools: Most email services (Gmail, Outlook) have built-in phishing detection.
4️⃣ Encrypt Your Emails & Use Secure Email Services 📧
✅ Use end-to-end encryption to prevent unauthorised access.
✅ Secure email providers like ProtonMail and Tutanota offer built-in encryption.
✅ If using Gmail or Outlook, enable TLS encryption for sensitive emails.
5️⃣ Regularly Update & Secure Your Devices 🛡️
✅ Keep your email app, browser, and OS updated to patch security vulnerabilities.
✅ Install antivirus & anti-malware software (e.g., Malwarebytes, Windows Defender).
✅ Use a firewall & VPN when accessing emails on public Wi-Fi.
6️⃣ Enable Email Security Features 📌
✅ SPF, DKIM & DMARC – Protects against email spoofing & impersonation.
✅ Automatic logout – Prevents unauthorised access if you forget to log out.
✅ Disable automatic image loading – Prevents tracking by email senders.
7️⃣ Monitor & Respond to Unusual Activity 🚨
✅ Check for login alerts or unknown device access in your email settings.
✅ If you suspect a breach, change your password immediately.
✅ Use Have I Been Pwned (https://haveibeenpwned.com/) to check if your email was exposed in a data breach.
🔹 Key Steps to Secure Your Email
1️⃣ Use a Strong & Unique Password 🔑
✅ Create a long password (12+ characters) with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
✅ Avoid using personal information (e.g., birthdays, names).
✅ Do NOT reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
🛠️ Use a Password Manager: Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass.
2️⃣ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 🔐
✅ Adds an extra layer of security beyond your password.
✅ Even if hackers steal your password, they cannot access your account without a second verification step.
✅ Use Authenticator Apps (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) instead of SMS for better security.
3️⃣ Beware of Phishing Emails 🎣
Phishing emails trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive data.
✅ Check the sender’s email address – Attackers may spoof official-looking emails.
✅ Hover over links before clicking – Ensure they lead to legitimate websites.
✅ Look for urgent or unusual requests – Be cautious of emails demanding immediate action.
✅ Never download unknown attachments – They may contain malware.
🛠️ Use Anti-Phishing Tools: Most email services (Gmail, Outlook) have built-in phishing detection.
4️⃣ Encrypt Your Emails & Use Secure Email Services 📧
✅ Use end-to-end encryption to prevent unauthorised access.
✅ Secure email providers like ProtonMail and Tutanota offer built-in encryption.
✅ If using Gmail or Outlook, enable TLS encryption for sensitive emails.
5️⃣ Regularly Update & Secure Your Devices 🛡️
✅ Keep your email app, browser, and OS updated to patch security vulnerabilities.
✅ Install antivirus & anti-malware software (e.g., Malwarebytes, Windows Defender).
✅ Use a firewall & VPN when accessing emails on public Wi-Fi.
6️⃣ Enable Email Security Features 📌
✅ SPF, DKIM & DMARC – Protects against email spoofing & impersonation.
✅ Automatic logout – Prevents unauthorised access if you forget to log out.
✅ Disable automatic image loading – Prevents tracking by email senders.
7️⃣ Monitor & Respond to Unusual Activity 🚨
✅ Check for login alerts or unknown device access in your email settings.
✅ If you suspect a breach, change your password immediately.
✅ Use Have I Been Pwned (https://haveibeenpwned.com/) to check if your email was exposed in a data breach.