TECHNOLOGY

 8 Tips to Protect Against an Email Hack

Email is one of the most popular methods of communication on the web today. 

In recent years, there has been a trend of increasing cyber attacks, data breaches, scams, and other malicious online activity. This trend is concerning, and businesses and individuals must take steps to protect themselves. Unfortunately, small businesses are not immune to online threats. Many have been targeted by cybercriminals and have had their data breached. This can devastate a small business, leading to revenue, customers, and reputation loss.

Additionally, individuals of all ages and backgrounds can be potential targets of online threats. One of the most common ways these threats are carried out is through email accounts. Managed Security Services provides the best security tips to protect against an email hack.

Here are easy steps to protect yourself online from being hacked:

  1. Always Use a password manager and 2FA 

Using a secure password manager to change your online passwords to strong and unique. This will help keep your account information safe and secure. Credential stuffing is a tactic used by hackers where they attempt to use stolen login information on other websites. Using strong and unique passwords can help protect your data from being compromised in this way. However, this can be a significant problem for users who have re-used the same credentials on multiple sites. Why? Because many people use the same username and password for various accounts, it creates a security risk. To receive a prompt response in the event of an incident, get in touch with a security incident response provider.

For example, you might have an account at Amazon, eBay, and Netflix—and you probably use the same username and password across all three. However, the hacker can quickly access your funds if any accounts are compromised. So instead, use two-factor authentication (or 2FA) whenever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second piece of information besides your passwords, such as your phone or a code sent to your phone via text message. It can also prevent hackers from accessing your accounts, even if they get your password.

  1. Suspicious links in emails or texts should be avoided. 

Phishers often send links via text or email that appear to be legitimate. However, if you click on these links, they can steal your personal information. To protect yourself from phishing scams, be suspicious of unsolicited emails or texts containing links, and do not click on these links unless you are confident they are safe. In addition, email attachments are a common way for cybercriminals to spread malware. To avoid these scams, don’t click on any links or attachments. Instead, go to the company’s official website and ensure that everything presented matches the source. It is generally advisable to exercise caution when opening links or downloading attachments from the senders that are unknown. If you receive an email from a sender with attachments or links included but no context, beware. This could be a phishing attempt to get you to click on something malicious.

  1. Don’t use public computers or WiFi

Suppose you’re traveling or using public WiFi; it’s essential to use a VPN to protect your data. Turning on your VPN will encrypt your traffic, making it more difficult for hackers to access your information. If a hotel has public computers available for guests, they may be exposed to malware, such as keyloggers or other types of malware. This means that they could return and haunt you. Do as much of your online banking as possible from your secure home network. That will help keep your financial accounts more secure. This will help protect your information from being intercepted by cybercriminals.

  1. Get a strong antivirus

An antivirus is a crucial part of any security solution for protecting your information. This security software protects against phishing attacks, malware, and other cyberattacks. Antivirus software is a must-have for any Mac, Android phone, or other device. It helps protect your system from malware and other online threats.

  1. Secure your WiFi and router

As unauthorized users try to hack into systems, both home users and small business owners need to identify who and what is on their network. By doing so, they can protect their data and systems from potential threats. Change your router’s admin password and set the WiFi password strong. This will help protect you from cyberattacks.

  1. Keep your computer and smartphone OS up-to-date

It is vital to keep your OS up to date to protect yourself from potential security threats. This is a fundamental principle of information security.

  1. Regularly keep Microsoft Windows fully updated by enabling the Windows Update feature

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit your computer, and email is one of the most common ways they do it. To keep yourself safe, make sure to routinely enable Windows Update by clicking on the “Windows Update” icon in the system tray. This will ensure that you have all the latest security patches installed and that your antivirus software is up-to-date. Additionally, periodically review Microsoft’s online Security Bulletin Database to ensure you’re keeping yourself safe from all the latest cyber threats. And lastly, remember to keep your email account password protected at all times!

  1. Be mindful about exposing your personal information 

Email security is of the utmost importance, mainly concerning personal information. By being mindful of the information you share, you can help protect yourself from email hacks. For example, always be conscious of the email address and contact details you’re sending to. Only open the email if you’re sure who it is from! Don’t click on the link or open the attachment if something feels suspicious. Instead, save it for later and contact the email address or contact the sender through social media to get more information. In addition to a password manager, use different login credentials for websites and internet-connected devices. If one password is compromised, your other accounts are still safe. 

Post courtesy: Cyber74, Cybersecurity Solutions Provide

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