Keeping your email safe is important in today’s digital world.
Here are some essential tips to remember:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each email account. Avoid using personal information such as birthdays or pet names, and don’t reuse the same password for multiple accounts. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Consider using a password manager to help you create and store strong passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication for all your email accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone or another trusted device in addition to your password when logging in.
- Be wary of phishing emails. These emails are designed to trick you into revealing your personal information or clicking on malicious links. Don’t click on links or attachments in emails from unknown senders, even if they look legitimate.
- Hover over links before clicking on them to see the actual URL. If the URL looks suspicious, don’t click on it.
- Be cautious about emails that create a sense of urgency or pressure. Scammers often use this tactic to trick you into making a mistake.
- Only open attachments from trusted senders. If you’re not sure who the sender is or if you weren’t expecting an attachment, don’t open it.
- Scan attachments for malware before opening them. You can use a virus scanner or email security software to do this.
- Keep your email software and operating system up to date. This will help to protect you from the latest security vulnerabilities.
- Be careful about what information you share in emails. Don’t share sensitive information such as your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number in email.
- Log out of your email account when you’re not using it. This will help to prevent unauthorized access.