Email remains one of the most used methods for both individuals and businesses to communicate online, however hackers consider it to be an easy way to infect devices and systems with malware. The majority of malware that is downloaded on compromised networks is the result of malicious hyperlinks or attachments to emails. Once infected the attacker can gain access in your network and access private information, steal information, or even demand a ransom. This is why best practices are vital to protect your personal and business accounts from cyberattacks.
Utilize a link scanner that scans all links that are outbound to an appropriate folder, and only allows the download from there (or even better, never download them at all). Encryption is another crucial step — it ensures that anyone who gets your email or attachments will be unable to read the content by converting plain text into encrypted text. This feature is built into the software of most major email providers, including Gmail virtual data room and Microsoft Outlook/Office365.
Avoid opening any executable file that is included in your email. These files could contain viruses or malware which could damage your computer. If you’re not sure whether an attachment is safe to open, run it through an internet search engine, and look for the file name and extension specifically.
Make sure your employees use strong passwords to login to all their accounts. Also, make sure all employees only access email on secured devices. Avoid using an automated password generator or an auto-fill feature, as they could be hacked by hackers. Also, make sure to make use of 2FA (two-factor authentication) whenever you can — this helps to add an additional layer of protection by having a second confirmation required from you before allowing access to your email.
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