How to Protect Your Email Account from Online Threats?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The internet is undoubtedly one of the most useful inventions by humankind but it can be equally dangerous as well, especially when it comes to email. Nowadays, all our digital accounts are linked via email, be it Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or a bank account. Therefore, you should never compromise on the security of your email. In this article, we are going to discuss the ways you can secure your email account and protect it from prying eyes.

Use a Secure Internet Connection

The first step towards improving your online protection is installing an encrypted internet service that does not allow intruders to invade your network. Nowadays, many internet providers offer protection suites to keep their customers safe when they are online.

If you are looking for an internet service that comes with a complete protection suite, then click here to find the most reliable connections available in your area. Simply enter your zip code and street address, and the website will display all the viable options in your area. Compare the plans and choose the one that suits the needs and requirements of your household.

Set Strong Passwords

Having a complex password is an elementary rule. Nowadays, all sites require a password that contains alphanumeric characters. For more security, a password must not be less than eight characters in length, must incorporate numbers and unique characters, and include capitalized and lowercase letters.

The password should be refreshed all the time and it is completely ill-advised to utilize a similar password for various sites and entries. The passwords must not be shared with anyone, nor recorded.

RELATED: Are Your Passwords Strong Enough?

Beware of Phishing Emails

Each of us receives numerous emails every day, but we do not always have time to pay attention to the details. However, it is possible to spot an email containing viruses or other threats from the subject line.

If an email seems strange and is not related to your interests, then it is better to move it directly to the trash bin. Moreover, at times it is enough to pay attention to the language used. Even when the sender seems to be known, it is better to pay attention to the text of the email because you may be able to spot whether their email has been compromised.

Never Download Files from Unknown Sources

Be mindful not to dispatch executable documents attached to emails and downloaded from sites that are not trustworthy, or present in cell phones linked to your PC. Executable documents are not just those with the expansions .com, .exe or .bat. There is a list such as a gif, pif, msi, msp, scr, hta, cpl, msc, jar, application, gadget, cmd, vb e vbs, vbe, js e jse, ws e wsf, wsc e wsh, ps1, ps1xml, ps2, ps2xml. It is better to stay updated.

Refrain from Visiting Unknown Websites

It is smarter to maintain a strategic distance from suspicious sites and those with expired certifications as well. Programs can recognize these sites and it is smarter to keep your distance from them. Moreover, it is appropriate to not share your personal and/or banking details before reading the privacy statement, even though it requires time and consideration.

Avoid Plugging Unknown Pen Drives in Your Computer

It might appear to be interesting, but it is near-sighted not to interface your cell phone with different PCs. This enables others to utilize their USB drivers on your PC and the other way around because cell phones and USB sticks can spot viruses and effectively defect different gadgets.

SEE ALSO: How To Create A Strong Password

Keep Your Operating System Up to Date

The updates required by operating systems can take a considerable amount of time and we regularly tend to put them off or postpone them. Nevertheless, non-updated programs are significantly less secure and are vulnerable to cyber threats. Updating when required would make all your gadgets considerably more secure.

Install Reliable Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software should always be kept updated, both on the personal PC and on the server, especially the email server that can uncover twice as many cyber-attacks because of its ability to distinguish between safe and malicious/virus messages. However, the operating system and antivirus require a strong and stable internet for updating. Think about Charter internet in these cases for their lightning-fast speeds.

Back Up Your Data Regularly

Regardless of the fact that whether you utilize your PC for individual purposes or work, it is always practical to have a duplicate of your information. When you utilize your email for work, a backup is essential if you do not want to lose everything.