One of the most important aspects of running a business is having a business email address. Everything just concerns how staff members interact with clients and suppliers. It’s where you answer questions from new hires and long-time employees, and most importantly. This serves as the entrance to the most private data in your company. Unfortunately, malicious hackers are always looking for ways to get into your inboxes and steal data. If this sounds like a story you’ve heard before. Then it may be time for some refreshers on how hackers attack companies’ email systems:
Use a reliable email service.
The first step to keeping your business email account secure is using a reliable email service. When it comes to secure communications. There are several important factors you should consider:
- Use a reputable service. This means that the company has been around for at least two years. And it’s not one of those fly-by-night operations offering cheap services with little security or reliability. Look for companies that offer proven services with good customer reviews and contact information. So you can get in touch if they’re not up to snuff with their claims or reputation management (i.e. if complaints have been filed against them).
- Don’t use a free service offered by other organizations (such as Yahoo Mail). As these often contain malware along with viruses that could affect your computer’s performance when opened on their own accord. Instead, opt for paid options. Such as Gmail or Outlook which come with additional features like better spam filtering capabilities than those provided by free programs like Hotmail/Yahoo! Mail which doesn’t require subscription fees but still suffers from similar issues related.
Set up two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a method of completing an action on your account that requires more than just your username and password. This can be useful if you have to use a different device or service. Such as a phone or tablet when logging into your account.
Before you can add new devices to your account. You must first enable two-factor authentication. Once it’s done, every time you enter information into the system from that device. It will send an extra signal to verify that it’s really you using the device.
Don’t use single sign-on services that are vulnerable to phishing attacks.
Before you get too excited about the latest and greatest email security tool. It’s important to know that not all single sign-on services are created equal. Some services have been found to be vulnerable to phishing attacks.
This is especially true when you consider how useful these tools can be for your business. Allowing users to access different apps or websites with a single login. Saving time and headaches on their personal devices. However, if a company has already been compromised by hackers (or even if they aren’t sure whether or not an existing account has been compromised). Then any service that uses OAuth 2 authentication methods could become problematic. And could lead them down the path of identity theft!
To determine whether or not a specific service provides adequate protection against these types of attacks, look for two things. Firstly whether or not this particular type of credential is supported by Google’s Authenticator app. Secondly what type of information needs protecting when using that particular application/service?
Email best practices can be an antidote to phishing.
- Clicking links in emails from unknown senders is not a good idea. If you receive a suspicious email, do not open it or click on any links contained within it. Instead of opening attachments, delete them immediately without opening them first.
- Don’t reply to emails requesting sensitive information. Such as passwords or credit card numbers unless you know who sent them and have verified their identity yourself (e.g., by sending an email back asking for verification).
- Use a secure computer when checking your business emails. If possible, use one at home instead of one at work. Where others are likely to see what’s going on with your account!
Protect your devices and the business network from malware.
- Make sure your devices are updated.
- Use antivirus software on all devices that access the business network.
- Even if an email appears to be legitimate. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders.
- Don’t open attachments or click on links in emails from people you don’t know. Even if they seem legitimate (for example, someone who says he works for your company).
Taking the necessary precautions can help you avoid an attack and keep your emails secure.
- Use a reliable email service provider.
- Set up two-factor authentication for your account.
- Don’t use single sign-on services that are vulnerable to phishing attacks and other security vulnerabilities. Including Facebook and Google logins. As they may not be secure enough. These services should be used only when absolutely necessary (e.g., if you have no choice but to connect with them).
- Implement best practices for email security by following these tips. Don’t use the same password across multiple sites or services. Change each one regularly!
- Use a different password for each site or service so that if one gets compromised, all of them won’t be affected immediately. Also, make sure it’s at least 12 characters long (this way even if someone gets hold of your username/password combination they won’t necessarily get access right away).
Conclusion
As you can see, keeping your email address safe and secure is critical. It may seem like a small thing. But this can lead to big problems if your inbox gets hacked or lost. If you follow the tips in this article, though, you should be able to avoid those kinds of issues!
