How to Keep Your Email Safe and Secure

Email is a great way to communicate with others, but it can also be risky. Hackers can use email to steal your personal information, infect your computer with harmful software, or trick you into sending them money. Here are some common email threats and how to avoid them.

#### Email Threats:

1. Fake Emails. Sometimes, hackers send emails that look like they come from someone you trust, such as your bank or online store. They may ask you to click on a link, download a file, or give them your password or credit card number. This is called phishing, and it can lead to identity theft or fraud.

2. Bad Attachments. Some emails have files attached to them that can harm your computer or network. These files may contain malware or viruses that can damage your files, spy on your activities, or take over your computer. These files may look like normal documents or pictures, but they are not.

3. Fake Senders. Hackers can also make emails look like they come from someone else. This is called spoofing, and it can trick you into thinking the email is real. Spoofed emails may ask you to do something for the fake sender, such as sending money or information.

4. Snooping Emails. Hackers can also intercept your emails and read them without you knowing. This is called eavesdropping, and it can expose your personal information, such as your passwords or financial details.

#### Email Tips:

1. Protect Your Computer. To prevent bad attachments from harming your computer or network, use software that can detect and remove malware or viruses. This software can scan your files and block any suspicious ones.

2. Protect Your Account. To prevent hackers from accessing your email account, use a strong password and change it regularly. Also, use a feature called two-factor authentication (2FA), which asks you to enter a code from your phone or an app when you log in. This makes it harder for hackers to get into your account.

3. Protect Your Information. To avoid fake emails and fake senders, be careful about what you click on or download from your email. Don’t open links or attachments from people you don’t know or trust, and never share your personal information over email.

4. Protect Your Messages. To prevent snooping emails from reading your messages, consider using a service that encrypts your email. Encryption scrambles your messages so that only you and the intended recipient can read them.

#### Summary

Email is a useful tool for communication, but be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect yourself. Protect your computer with software. Protect your account with a strong password and 2FA. Protect your information by being cautious of what you open or share over email. Protect your messages by using encryption. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of email-related threats.

#### Sources

How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams by Federal Trade Commission - https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams

What is Email Security? by Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/security-101/what-is-email-security