Tip of the Week: Five Extremely Useful Email Security Tips

In business, email is one of the tried and true methods of communication. Unfortunately, there are many out there searching to breach a network, whether it be to deploy malware or lie in wait until they have access and cause havoc from within. Regardless of what strategy hackers and scammers use, it is important that users understand what to do to protect themselves and their organizations’ email. Here are some tips to keep in mind. 

Build Strong Passwords

Encourage employees to use strong, unique passwords for their email accounts. Implement password policies that require a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Regularly update passwords and avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdays or common words.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security. This typically involves combining a password with a secondary authentication method, such as a code sent to a mobile device. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.

Educate Users on Phishing Awareness

The number one way people are hacked is by a phishing attack. That’s why it is so important to keep your staff trained on the latest goings-on in phishing tactics. You’ll want to conduct regular training sessions to teach employees to recognize phishing emails by examining sender email addresses, checking for spelling errors, and being cautious with unexpected attachments or links. Promoting skepticism, prompting users to verify the legitimacy of emails before clicking on any links or providing sensitive information.

Implement Email Encryption

Businesses have used encryption to fortify their network security for a while. Email encryption works to protect the contents of sensitive emails from being intercepted and read by unauthorized parties. Robust encryption platforms work automatically and will secure any messages and attachments while they are in transit. 

Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Finally, the simplest, yet often overlooked issue with email security is the actual updating of the solution itself. All software your business uses needs to be updated regularly. You’ll need to keep email servers and software up-to-date with the latest security patches to address vulnerabilities; and, this needs to happen regularly. 

In addition to these best practices, organizations should also consider deploying advanced solutions such as spam filters, malware scanners, and intrusion detection systems. These advanced technologies work to provide an additional layer of protection against evolving cyberthreats. If you would like some help getting your email working as intended and secure, give OnSite I.T. a call today at (403) 210-2927.