In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to be vigilant against potential online threats, especially when it comes to email communication. While email is an essential tool for both personal and business use, it can also be a gateway for trouble if not used carefully. Here are the top five tips you can follow to ensure you stay as safe as possible while using email.
Email Attachments: Proceed with Caution
One of the most critical tips to avoid trouble with email is to never open an attachment from an unknown sender or that you weren’t expecting. Attachments can contain harmful viruses and malware, such as crypto locker and crypto wall. Be cautious of any unsolicited messages, and ask yourself if you know the sender and were expecting the email. If the answer is no, it’s best to delete the message immediately.
Keep Your Private Information Private
Never disclose sensitive information, such as passwords or banking details, through email. Legitimate organisations will never ask for this type of information via email and will not ask you to reply with personal details. Think of it this way: would you send your credit card details to a stranger? If an email doesn’t seem legitimate, that’s essentially what you would be doing by sharing personal information.
Verify Before Taking Action
If you receive an email from a government department or any official organisation, don’t act solely based on the email contents. Instead, independently verify the information by contacting the organisation directly using the correct contact information from their official website. Verifying the authenticity of the email is crucial, especially if it claims that you owe a large sum of money or have some urgent issue to address.
Beware of Links
Exercise caution when clicking on links in emails, even if they appear to be from a trusted sender. Links can lead to “phishing” sites, which are fake versions of legitimate websites, or they can expose your computer to malware. Be wary of emails that request you to update your personal details for social media accounts, banks, or other online services. Always verify the legitimacy of links before clicking on them.
Avoid Forwarding Chain Emails
We’ve all received chain emails where the original message is forwarded to hundreds of people, and each recipient forwards it to even more recipients. If the original email contains a malicious attachment that infected the sender unknowingly, this virus can spread exponentially. Do your part to prevent the spread of potentially harmful messages by simply deleting chain emails when you receive them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you have any questions or concerns about your business email accounts, don’t hesitate to contact Realised Technologies at (07) 4051 4200 to speak with a business IT specialist. Stay vigilant and protect yourself while using email to ensure a safe online experience.