New malware and viruses appear regularly; thus, most people have received at least one suspicious email on their work or personal email. Unfortunately, many have been fooled by such emails, lost important data, or damaged their computers. On the other hand, it isn’t easy to be surprised because email is one of the main communication tools, especially between businesses. Therefore, the article we share today will give you eight strategies and tips to enhance email protection and keep you away from malware and viruses.
Tip #1: Be Aware of Phishing Schemes
Old phishing schemes may be easy to notice because they are obvious; for example, they include a letter from a prince living abroad asking you to give him your money to travel to your country. However, phishing schemes have developed and become smarter. Be aware of phishing schemes that include your name. More and more hackers are using these tactics instead of sending thousands of identical emails.
Tip #2: Do Not Download Suspicious Attachments
If you are unsure who the sender is and do not ask anybody to send you a specific file, it’s best to leave it and not open it. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially if you feel that the email and attachment look suspicious. Often, these attachments will include malware and computer viruses that may damage or delete your data with no way back if you haven’t created a backup.
Tip #3: Know How to Recognize a Suspicious Email
Quite a few elements indicate you have received a suspicious email. First, look for obvious typing mistakes, especially when the email sender seems that the emails and maybe even documents you have received are official. If it’s official, professionals have been prepared, and it will not have typos. Secondly, look for strange-looking URLs. For example, you can see the link preview if you hover over it. If it includes a famous domain but a bizarre ending after the dot, then it’s probably malicious and trying to trick you into clicking on the URL.
Tip #4: Do Not Click on Suspicious Links
As mentioned before, one of the examples of a suspicious link is a famous URL with an unusual ending after the dot. However, if you ever receive an email from someone you do not know, including a link or, even better, nothing but a connection, never click on it. Also, if the URL makes no sense, you should not click on it either. Logically, there is no reason someone would send you a blank link out of nowhere.
Tip #5: Avoid Oversharing
Avoid sharing too much personal information on public websites as much as possible. Even if it may seem unharmful to share the location of your summer house on Facebook, hackers with bad intentions can use even your cat’s name against you. Someone would use such information to make you believe the email was meant exactly for you because it includes your details.
Tip #6: Use Strong Passwords
Even though many people know they should use strong passwords for all their accounts, a minority choose to do so. Moreover, people are using the same password for multiple accounts, which means they can access more than one of your accounts if someone learns your password. Therefore, creating or changing your passwords into strong ones is worth the time. You can make the password yourself, use an online tool to generate a strong password, or if you use a Mac, the Apple Keychain app will offer to create the password. Using the Edge browser, you can use the Password Monitor feature.
Tip #7: Invest in a Proper Antivirus
If malware or a virus gets on your computer, ensure you have a proper antivirus to protect your device and data. Whether it’s sensitive personal data or confidential company information, losing or having it leaked may be harmful. Therefore, choose the best antivirus for your device and always remember to update the operating system and the antivirus software you use. This will help you stay protected from the newest malware and viruses.
Tip #8: Always Back up Your Data
No matter how careful you are, you never know what will happen because your computer could be stolen or broken anytime. Also, you might get fooled by hackers and install malware or viruses on your computer, thinking you are installing free time-planning software. Thus it is important to back up your data from time to time. You can use the Time Machine software if you have a Mac. Or you could invest in an email archiving solution.
