Email hacks are unfortunately something that is quite common. Around half of all Americans have had some form of information or data stolen from servers, and unfortunately the number does nothing but increase. Hacks to email can gain access to private information, credit card details, phone numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information. Cyber hackers who access this kind of information can then use what they find in a negative way, to get more information on you, gain access to other credit cards, financial information, social security numbers, and reset passwords to gain access to work emails, among other things.
The information that cyber hackers access is private and confidential, therefore it is important to take steps to protect your email from hackers. Many things that they will try to gain access are actually quite preventable, so here are some of the things that you can do to protect yourself and keep your email safe from hackers.
Two-Factor Authentication
There are a number of settings on email security, and two-factor authentication is one of them. Two-factor authentication is a process in which a unique security code is sent to your cell phone or email, or security question is asked, which you then enter on to the site, so you are confirming in real time that it is you that is accessing it.
Two-factor authentication means that if someone has managed to find your password or hack into your email in that way, then there is another layer of security before they will actually have access. It could be that there are additional questions to answer, or that there are some other forms of clarification, such as sending a text message to emails verification with a backup account.
However, for some email providers, it isn’t on by default. That means that you are not required switch it on, in order to make your account more secure, but you should. It is something that doesn’t take long to set up, but it is a really powerful security measure.
With smartphones, this can be set up with your fingerprints or with face ID. The hackers won’t have access to this extra information, so it means they won’t actually be able to access your email after all. Check that with your email account provider to add a two-factor authentication to your email to protect yourself.
Take password security seriously
There are many jokes about forgetting your password, and then it actually being what you thought it was as you try to reset it. However, creating a secure password is something that should absolutely be taken very seriously. Avoid the most common passwords, like “password” and 123456, or a password with important dates to you, like your wedding date or birthdate, as these numbers are easy to guess or figure out. An easy password means easy access for any hacker, as those numbers can be one of the first things that they try.
If you’re not sure what to have as your password, there are password generators online that you can use. If you are worried you will forget this password, you can make a note on your phone (that is secured with face ID, of course).
Use different passwords for each of your different accounts; Do not use one password for everything. Having different passwords for all of the accounts that you have really does make a difference.
In addition, the longer it is, the harder it will be to identify. Plus, throw in some upper-case letters, as well as lower-case letters and some special characters, and your email should be secure, to help you to fend off any cyber-attacks.
Use encrypted email
Unfortunately, plenty of corporate data breaches that have impacted hundreds of thousands of people. Hackers can find their way into large company servers, from anywhere in the world, and then steal passwords as a result. LinkedIn, Canva, and Tumblr are all examples of large corporations that have been hacked in the past. As a result, information can be stolen, from passwords, credit card details, to phone numbers, all of which can be used in a negative way against you. Instead, if you switch to using email that is encrypted, it can provide a solution to this kind of problem.
One of the best to look out for is an email encryption provider that uses end-to-end encryption, as well as zero access encryption. Encryption means that the servers you use won’t leak any private communications, and as a result, can really improve the overall security of your email communications.
Phishing attacks
Phishing is something common that is one of the first things that a hacker will try. They use phishing to try to get into your account, and sadly, many people do fall for their attacks. A phishing email is one that is sent using, for example, a company logo and an email address that sounds and is spelled almost exactly like the company; Sometimes it is very difficult to find a difference! The email could be to let you know about a ‘purchase’ (or a variety of other ideas) and if this wasn’t you who authorized it, you should click on a link or download a document. If you click or download, then you could be downloading a virus, or putting in personal information for them to steal.
It is best to be vigilant with all emails, even from people that you know, as they could have been hacked. Look out for incorrect spelling or bad grammar. Check addresses and the fine print on the bottom of an email. You shouldn’t click links or download anything that has been sent to you, unless you know the person and you know what they have sent to you. Many email providers give you the chance to report phishing, so make sure that you use it if you receive a phishing scam!
Protect your devices
If a hacker or theft was looking for a simple way to get into someone’s email account, and they could get access to a personal cell phone, then simply stealing it would be the way to go. Easy access to emails and changing the password can be done in moments when you’ve got control of the device. So, keeping your devices secure is another thing to pay close attention to. Many devices offer password protection via fingerprint ID or face authentication; If available, use these methods, because you can lock a hacker out of access to your phone with them. Be aware of your own security when you travel or are in public, so your personal devices are not stolen.