E-mails continues to be an essential method of communication in our connected world, whether it is for business, professional, or personal contacts. But as technology advances, the dangers and cyber threats for our e-mail security does as well.
It is essential for both individuals and organizations to establish efficient methods to secure their e-mail accounts since cybercriminals constantly come up with new ways to access sensitive information.
In this blog post, we'll examine the latest methods and best practices in protecting and improving your email security in 2023.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the best ways to increase and improve e-mail security. Beyond the usual username and password combination, these steps offer an additional layer of security.
Most updated e-mail service providers will feature the 2FA or MFA option - this can be in the form of one-time passwords, login to an external app, biometric authentication such as fingerprint scan or face recognition. Once you use MFA you significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target to attempted login by hackers and IT-criminals.
Unique passwords
Although the idea of secure passwords might seem like old news, it is nevertheless an essential part of good e-mail security. The need for strong, unique passwords is greater than ever, with the evolving threat landscape we're facing.
Don't use words or information that is easy to guess, like birthdates or pet names. Use a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters instead. Consider utilizing a trustworthy password manager to store numerous complex passwords.
Additionally, refrain from using the same password for multiple accounts, as a security flaw on one platform can affect the security of your e-mail and other accounts as well.
Keep your software updated
Both email users and operating systems play a crucial role in maintaining a strong e-mail security. Keeping your software up to date ensures that you have the latest security patches and fixes, so hacker’s can’t exploit any vulnerabilities or holes in the software.
In 2023 and the future, cyber threats will continue to evolve, and software developers are actively working to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities. Neglecting updates can leave your email account exposed to known security risks.
E-mail encryption
Current e-mail security should use e-mail encryption. End-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the intended recipients can see the content of your messages, is becoming more common in 2023.
It's exceedingly difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or decipher your emails thanks to encrypted e-mail services, that use encryption methods to secure the data both in transit and at rest. Users can create effective email encryption using a variety of e-mail providers and third-party encryption software.
Awareness training
Phishing attacks remain a serious threat to us and our e-mail security. Cybercriminals are trying to trick you into disclosing personal information or clicking on malicious links in these attacks.
In 2023, phishing techniques have advanced, frequently adopting social engineering strategies to deceive people and furthermore evolving old techniques. Continuous awareness training is essential for both individuals and companies to combat this threat. When opening attachments or clicking on links, exercise caution, especially if they seem odd or suspicious.
- Here at Moxso, we ofte suggest you simply hover your mouse over the link without clicking on it - this way you can see a preview of the website you’re directed to if you click the link.
Spam Filters and e-mail authentication
To reduce the risk of phishing attacks and unwanted requests, effective spam filters are crucial. E-mail service providers have improved their algorithms in 2023 to more accurately detect and filter out harmful or useless content.
Additionally, e-mail authentication tools like SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) help in confirming the validity of incoming e-mails and prevent e-mail spoofing.
Secure your Wi-Fi for remote working
Securing your Wi-Fi network is essential in the age of remote working and constant interaction. We suggest you:
- Set up WPA3 encryption on your Wi-Fi router
- Use secure passwords
- Upgrade the firmware frequently
Manage the devices that are linked to your e-mail account carefully as well. Here in 2023, a lot of e-mail service providers will give solutions for remote device management, which let you keep an eye on and manage the devices that have access to your account.
Make backups
Cyberattacks, hardware issues, or unintentional wipes are just a few of the causes of data loss. By regularly backing up your e-mail and your data, you can instantly recover your correspondance even if your account is hacked by an IT criminal.
- Many e-mail services and software have cloud storage integration or automatic backup features that can make the process even easier for you.
Final remarks
In 2023, protecting your email will require a thorough plan and integrations that advantages of user awareness and technological advances. You can significantly reduce the risks of cyber threats to you e-mail security by using two-factor authentication, strong passwords, updating software, and being vigilant when it comes to phishing attempts.
A thorough e-mail security policy should also include spam filters, encryption, and efficient monitoring of devices. By using these cutting-edge procedures, you can make use of email systems' many advantages while protecting your private data from ending up in the hands of the hacker.
Caroline Preisler
Caroline is a copywriter here at Moxso beside her education. She is doing her Master's in English and specializes in translation and the psychology of language. Both fields deal with communication between people and how to create a common understanding - these elements are incorporated into the copywriting work she does here at Moxso.
View all posts by Caroline Preisler
