No matter the industry, nearly all organizations use email in some capacity–many even consider it one of the most important communication channels in their workplace. Email offers flexibility in communicating messages about upcoming activities, team memoranda, clientele, and so much more.
While there are best practices and even ‘rules’ in many organizations that restrict how and when email is used, the truth is that a lot of information is still passed through your email hub– and it’s worth protecting that information even if it’s not sensitive data.
Why Hackers Target Email
Because of its widespread use, hackers have long since targeted email and will likely continue to do so for years to come. There are countless methods they use to entice the user to give them the small gap they need to breach a network. A forbidden link, an unknown attachment, or an impersonated sender are just a few of the ways hackers try to encrypt email.
We’ve talked on our blog about the importance of understanding email security and the types of attacks to be on the lookout for.
While cybersecurity is ever-evolving, email security remains a constant threat to organizations. Why? Email security is still the single most popular way for malware and other threats to reach victims.
7 Ways to Increase Email Security
While email security is a threat to every organization, rest (somewhat) easy: there are simple and proactive steps you can start taking today to reduce your risk of a breach.
- Use a strong email password. Curious about how to make your passwords more secure? Start using a password manager, avoid universal passwords, and use auto-generated passwords instead of actual words.
- Use multi-factor authentication. In fact, multi-factor authentication should be used on all of your accounts when possible for maximum security.
- Monitor your email habits. Ensure you are practicing basic email security hygiene: using strong passwords, MFA, and knowing the signs of a false email.
- Look out for “Phishing Emails.” Learn the signs of phishing and follow these tips to avoid phishing. A few simple email use changes can protect you from avoidable breaches.
- Don’t open attachments without scanning them first. As a general rule, always verify the sender via phone call before opening an attachment if you are not expecting it.
- Never access emails from public Wi-Fi. The world of remote work has created a new cybersecurity conundrum: public Wi-Fi. Organizations are now unable to fully protect their workforce if they are accessing important information from public networks. Whenever possible, only log on to email when connected to a secure organizational network.
- Be careful with the devices you use. If you are accessing your work email from a personal device–think again. Understand that organization devices have cybersecurity to protect you while you access your work email. The same may not be true for personal devices.
Prioritize Email Security with Managed IT Services
A proactive cybersecurity plan encompasses all aspects of your organization—from the most fundamental to the most complicated. Email is a foundational aspect of how most organizations operate, which is why, at Clarity, we spend a lot of time protecting it—email security matters.
As a managed IT and co-managed IT service provider in the Greater Madison Area, Clarity Technology Group customizes and optimizes our IT support plans for each client and industry. Get in touch with a member of our team today to talk about the benefits of managed or co-managed IT services.