Email Security - Start Page(Beta)
It should be easier to work from here to set up your email security than it would be to work from a general security plan. The menu at the right gives you a handy index as well.
1. Build a solid foundation:
If you haven't done so already, start building your email defense by putting the other elements of a good security plan in place.
2a. How to read email safely:
2b. How to read webmail safely:
3. Learn what to watch out for:
The human element is generally the softest target (pun intended) for malicious email. It's relatively easy to target the ignorance and inattention of unwary users. 'Fish in a barrel' comes to mind.
On the other hand, informed, vigilant users can be the strongest element of their own security. But you do need to learn what to watch out for.
This can be the most effective element of your cyber-defense.
4. Get rid of spam:
Spam creates a virtual mine field in your inbox. The sole purpose of spam is to deliver scams. Some spam delivers malicious computer code as well. Sure, you can gingerly step around the spam, but someday you will get your leg blown off. Clearing out spam is an important part of email security.
Using more than one email addresses is one simple but effective way to reduce spam. Use your top tier address for important business only. Use the one(s) in the middle tier for less critical business and ordinary personal email. Give out the bottom tier one(s) for casual or hazardous purposes.
Your tier 2 and tier 3 addresses should be free accounts that you can abandon if they attract too much spam. Your addresses might look like this: toptier@gmail.com, 2ndtier@hotmail.com, 3rdtier1@yahoo.com, 3rdtier2@yahoo.com, 3rdtier3@yahoo.com, etc.
5. Public venues, and your own WiFi network require special precautions:
Public PCs, hotspots and even your own WiFi network undermine the walls of your cyber-fort in new ways. Think about public PCs for a moment. They are fully accessible to anyone. Duh! That means they can be directly attacked from the keyboard, which may be the weakest point of entry on a PC. Even though they may have been 'locked down' by the dutiful librarian. You have no idea how they may be booby trapped. I simply would never do any personal business from one.
Hotspots, and even your own wireless network, add the threat of "wire-tapping". You need to take several steps to secure this new back gate in your cyber-fort. Don't take a chance if you value your privacy or personal finances.