Threat: Interception
If you send sensitive or private information via email then you run the risk of it being intercepted by a third party whilst it reaches your intended recipients inbox.
Without proper prevention techniques, you will not be able to monitor the audit trail of your message (which lets you see when your email has been opened).
Prevention: Encryption
If your business is operated by either just yourself or by a small team, you should look into an encryption packages which lets you send around 6000 emails per year with encrypted content.
You can upgrade to various levels of security but if you are purely liaising with colleagues and clients then a starter package will suffice.
For more encryption security information visit SSL Post.
Threat: Phishing
“Phishing” scams are run by people who intend to gather bank account details and steal your money. Links within the email will usually direct those who click to a fake website designed in keeping with the branding and web design style of a familiar company such as your bank or building society.
Phishing scams have a tendency to ask for you to ‘confirm’ your password or account details yet instead of being sent to your bank, they will land in the lap of hackers whose goal is to steal your account information, money or even your identity.
Prevention: Reporting
If you are setting your junk mail folder to high and some phishing scams are still getting through then most email providers now have a ‘Block’ option in the junk mail options.
Plus, many anti-phishing organisations have been set-up to combat thieves so if you do suspect one of your emails to be a scam then forward it on to these addresses:
• Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov
• when forwarding phishing messages include the entire original email with its original header information intact
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center at the FBI by submitting a formal complaint via the website:www.ifccfbi.gov
Threat: Virus
Viruses can access your whole computer including the hard drive and once in your device they can be tricky to get rid of. Certain viruses have even been known to send duplicate copies of the original virus-clad email to everyone you have ever messaged and have taken full control of your PC for illegal activities.
Prevention: Software
You can get decent virus protection software for free but I would strongly recommend purchasing a Norton or McAfee antivirus software package to ensure maximum protection for your business.
These programs double-check the purpose and content of your email message before you receive it and ensure your PC is extra protected against viruses.
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