Keep Your email Account Safe From Hackers
Your email account is a crucial part of your digital life, but email accounts are about more than just managing your inbox. Email accounts are often used for logging into social media, online banking and online shopping. So, if a hacker gets access to your email, then they could gain access to much more than your email, therefore protecting your email is vital to your online security.
Hackers are constantly evolving and trying new ways to break into email accounts so being proactive is vital. Why are hackers so keen to gain access to your email? They might want to steal your personal data and your bank details, or they may use your email account to send scam emails to your contacts.
Keeping your email account secure requires following some straightforward security practices.
Create Strong Passwords
A strong password is your first line of defence, and we have written a blog dedicated to this subject. Click here to read our blog ‘Strong and Secure Password Guidance and Tips.’
Our top tips:
• Make Your Password Long
• Make Your Password Random
• Avoid Using Personal Information
• Do Not Re-use Passwords!
• Keep Your Passwords Private
• Change Your Passwords Regularly
Remembering lots of complex passwords is difficult unless you have a photographic memory. If not then consider using a reputable password manager which will create strong passwords for you. You will then only need to remember one master password to login to the password manager, so it makes life a bit easier.
Switch On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds another layer of security so even if someone guesses or steals your password, they still need a second ‘factor’ or piece of information to log in.
Common 2FA methods include:
SMS Codes: A code sent to your mobile phone via text message.
Authenticator Apps: Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy generate time-sensitive codes on your phone.
Security Keys: Physical USB devices that you plug into your computer to verify your identity.
Most major email providers such as Gmail offer 2FA which you can activate in your account's security settings. It’s one of the most effective ways to stop unauthorised access.
Watch Out for Email Phishing Scams
Phishing is when criminals try to trick you into giving away sensitive information like bank details or passwords. Phishing can take many forms, but the most common type is email phishing where emails are designed to look like they come from legitimate companies such as banks. Some emails are very well crafted, but the majority are easy to spot with bad graphics and spelling errors.
Recognise the signs of a phishing email:
• Urgent Calls to Action
• Generic Greetings
• Poor Grammar and Spelling
• Suspicious Links
• Unexpected Attachments
If you suspect an email is phishing, never click the links or download attachments.
Read our blog which includes more tips about ‘How to Spot a Phishing Email.’
Keep Devices and Software Updated
Hackers often exploit known weaknesses in software. Software companies release updates to patch these security vulnerabilities. Ensure your computer's operating system (Windows, macOS), your web browser, and your email application are always up-to-date and enable automatic updates where possible.
Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your computer and phone, and keep it updated. Run regular scans to check for threats.
Regularly Check Account Activity
Get into the habit of reviewing your email account on a regular basis. You can check the login history through your account’s security settings. If you notice logins from unfamiliar locations or devices or if you see anything suspicious, change your password immediately and review your security settings.
Review Third-Party App Permissions
If you authorise various apps access to your email account (e.g. to manage calendars) you should regularly review which applications have permission and remove access for any apps that you no longer use or don't recognise.
You can manage third party permissions via security settings in your email account. This housekeeping task will reduce the potential ways your account could be compromised if one of those third-party services suffers a breach.
Stay Secure
Email security is an ongoing task that needs regular attention. By implementing the steps outlined you will significantly reduce the risk of hackers gaining access to your email account and to your personal data.
If you need any help with email security please contact us.