Email remains essential for both personal and business communication, yet it’s also a major target for cyber threats. With cyberattacks growing more sophisticated, enhancing email security has never been more urgent.

Recent studies reveal that 95% of IT leaders recognize an increase in cyberattack sophistication, with over half (51%) reporting encounters with AI-driven attacks. Proactively securing your email can help protect sensitive information, prevent unauthorized access, and maintain the reliability of your communications.

Here are six straightforward steps to boost your email security:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Passwords are the primary barrier protecting your email. A weak password invites trouble.

Make Passwords Complex: Use a blend of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid predictable choices like your name or birthdate.

Leverage a Password Manager: Managing multiple strong passwords can be challenging. A password manager securely stores unique passwords for all accounts, so you only have to remember one master password.

Don’t Reuse Passwords: Using the same password across accounts is risky. If one account is breached, others become vulnerable. Each email account should have a distinct password to contain any potential damage.

2. Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) strengthens your defenses. Even if your password is compromised, a second verification step is required to access your account.

Pick a 2FA Method: Options include SMS codes, authenticator apps, or hardware tokens. Choose the option that best fits your security needs and preferences.

Enable 2FA Across All Accounts: Most email services offer 2FA, and setting it up usually takes just a few minutes, providing a significant security boost.

3. Be Cautious with Attachments and Links

Attachments and links are common avenues for phishing and malware. Exercising caution here is essential to avoiding unauthorized access.

Confirm the Sender: Before clicking links or opening attachments, verify who sent them. If an email seems unexpected, contact the sender through a different channel to confirm its authenticity.

Scan Attachments with Antivirus Software: Many email providers offer built-in scanning, but a dedicated antivirus program provides added security.

Hover Over Suspicious Links: Before clicking, hover over links to preview the URL. If the URL looks questionable or unfamiliar, avoid clicking and go directly to the website through your browser.

4. Keep Your Email Software Updated

Regular software updates include patches for security vulnerabilities. Staying updated ensures you’re protected against the latest threats.

Turn On Automatic Updates: Most email clients and operating systems offer this feature. Enabling it ensures your software remains up-to-date without manual checks.

Regularly Check for Updates: Even with automatic updates, it’s wise to manually check periodically to catch any critical patches that may have been missed.

5. Encrypt Sensitive Emails

Encryption protects email content, making it accessible only to the intended recipient, even if intercepted.

Use Encryption for Confidential Information: When sending sensitive details via email, enable encryption. Many email providers offer this feature, but for added security, consider end-to-end encryption tools.

Guide Recipients on Decrypting: If sending encrypted emails, ensure recipients know how to securely decrypt the message.

6. Monitor Your Email Activity

Regularly reviewing your email account can help you quickly detect and respond to suspicious activity.

Enable Activity Alerts: Many email providers notify you about unusual login attempts or settings changes. Activating these alerts keeps you informed.

Review Account Activity Regularly: Periodically review login history and connected devices. If anything seems unfamiliar, update your password and investigate further.

Contact us today to discuss how we can strengthen your email security.