It’s no secret that email is not the most secure form of communication. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Email was not designed with security in mind, which is why we see so many headlines about major data breaches involving stolen email passwords and hacked accounts.

Despite its inherent insecurity, email is still the primary way we communicate both professionally and personally. So what can we do to make our email accounts more secure? Here are a few email safety tips every user should know:

1. Use a strong password

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people still use weak passwords like “password” or “1234”. A strong password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.

2. Enable two-factor authentication

If your email service offers two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA), make sure to enable it. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when logging in.

3. Be careful what you click

Phishing attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated, so it’s important to be careful about the links you click in emails, even if they appear to be from a trusted sender. If an email looks suspicious, don’t click any links or open any attachments.

4. Don’t use public Wi-Fi to check email

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also one of the least secure ways to access the internet. If you must check your email on public Wi-Fi, make sure your connection is encrypted (look for a URL that starts with “https://”) and avoid accessing any sensitive information like online banking or shopping accounts.

5. Keep your software up to date

One of the best ways to protect your email account (and your entire computer) from malware and viruses is to keep your software up to date. That includes your operating system, web browser, email client, and any security software you may be using.

6. Use a reputable email service

Not all email services are created equal. Some are more secure than others, so it’s important to choose an email provider that takes security seriously. Services like ProtonMail and Tutanota offer end-to-end encryption, which means your emails are encrypted before they’re even sent, making them much more difficult for hackers to intercept.

7. Back up your data

Even if you follow all of the above tips, there’s always a chance your account could be hacked or your computer could crash, resulting in lost data. That’s why it’s important to back up your email regularly. You can use a service like Backupify to automatically back up your email data to the cloud.

By following these simple email safety tips, you can help protect your account from being hacked and your data from being lost or stolen. Stay tuned into Bayshore Interactive for more information about email safety.