Tips 2 min. read

4 essential email security tips you need to know

4 essential email security tips you need to know

Email has become one of the most widely utilized aspects of the internet. You use it every day, for both your personal and professional tasks. In fact, when creating an account for whatever online service, one of the first things you will be asked to provide is a working email address.

The privacy and security of that email account is obviously imperative. Here are five email security tips you should follow.

1. Separate your email accounts

When it comes to emails, you most likely have a personal account and a work account. Don’t mix the two together and use your work account to send out personal emails and vice versa. Doing so is a major security risk, not to mention it might get you into trouble with your employer.

This is why it’s ideal that you have different accounts that serve different purposes. Use a personal account that is integrated with all your social media and other online accounts. Have another personal account that you use to interact with your friends and contacts. Lastly, use your work email for its intended purpose only—work.

2. Invest in email security software

Emails can contain highly sensitive and confidential information; protect yours with an email security gateway. This is a software designed to prevent attacks by blocking emails embedded with viruses, phishing software, and other sorts of malicious content.

There are a ton of products available, such as Proofpoint Email Protection, Symantec Messaging Gateway, and Fortinet’s FortiMail. This kind of software costs money, but it is a worthy investment.

3. Take advantage of a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

If you want to secure your communications, one of the best things you can do is download a VPN. Its encryption protocols will ensure that your data is 100% private, 100% of the time. With a VPN, you won’t have to worry about your emails getting hacked and the information being stolen.

The great thing about high-quality VPNs is that they secure all data—not just emails—so they can provide you with complete protection. Like email gateways, VPNs can cost money, but many companies also offer free versions.

4. Do not neglect password security

Having multiple emails is no use if you just use one password for all of them. If a hacker is able to get into one of your accounts, they can go after the others effortlessly. Make it a point to create unique passwords for each account.

It’s also not enough to follow the email provider’s parameters for password strength. To create a truly strong password, avoid using words out of the dictionary or anything that involves your personal details. Instead, use a long and random string of letters, numbers, and characters, like so: “mZ8/4T’*)PuwA4WZ”, which is 20 characters long and generated with passwordsgenerator.net. Need help remembering your weird new passwords? A password manager tool can help.

For more tips to protect your online privacy, be sure to check out our in-depth guide.

Download Hotspot Shield

Get the latest stories and tips from Hotspot Shield in your inbox