Email is a powerful tool for networking and finding new opportunities, but it also comes with some risks. If you don't protect your email security, you could expose your personal information, compromise your reputation, or miss out on valuable connections. Here are some tips to help you ensure email security when networking and finding new opportunities.
One of the first impressions you make when you send an email is your email address. It should reflect your name, brand, or industry, and avoid any inappropriate or unprofessional words. A professional email address also shows that you are serious, credible, and trustworthy, and can help you avoid spam filters and phishing attacks. If you don't have one already, you can create a free email account with a reputable provider, such as Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo.
To ensure email security: 1. Use strong, unique passwords for your email accounts. 2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email account. 3. Be cautious with email attachments and links, especially from unknown senders. 4. Use a reputable email service provider with strong security features. 5. Regularly update your email client and operating system to patch security vulnerabilities. To find networking opportunities: 1. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars. 2. Join professional organizations and associations related to your industry. 3. Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field. 4. Seek out mentors who can introduce you to their professional network.
In networking and seeking opportunities, prioritize email security: use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Beware of phishing attempts, update software regularly, and encrypt sensitive emails. Avoid sharing private information, back up important emails, and stay informed about security threats. Utilize built-in security features and educate yourself and your team to maintain a secure email environment.
Encryption is a process that scrambles your email messages so that only the intended recipient can read them. It can protect your email content, attachments, and contacts from hackers, snoops, and identity thieves. You can encrypt your email messages by using a secure email service, such as ProtonMail, Tutanota, or Mailfence, or by installing an encryption software, such as GPG or S/MIME, on your email client. You can also use encrypted messaging apps, such as Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp, for more sensitive or confidential communications.
Passwords are the keys to your email accounts, so you should make them as strong and unique as possible. A strong password should have at least 12 characters, including a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also avoid using common or predictable words, phrases, or patterns, such as your name, birthday, or keyboard sequences. You can use a password manager, such as LastPass, Dashlane, or 1Password, to generate and store your passwords securely. Additionally, you should enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your email accounts, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code or a device confirmation when you log in from a new device or location.
I recommend using a passphrase not a password. A passphrase is simply a sentence. Use a sentence that is easy to remember but not something that is easily guessed. Include all spacing and punctuation if possible. Never use the same password for more than one account or service. They know to try your other accounts if they breach one. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a necessity these days. It adds an additional and extremely effective layer of security for your account. In fact, Microsoft states MFA blocks 99% of account hacking attempts. It can be described with the 2/3 rule. 1.something you know, (passphrase or pin). 2. Something you have, (a phone, a token). 3. Something you are, (biometrics like a fingerprint or Face ID).
Attachments and links are often used to deliver malware, ransomware, or spyware to your email account or device. These malicious programs can damage your files, steal your data, or hijack your email account. To avoid these threats, you should never open attachments or click on links from unknown or suspicious senders, or from emails that look like spam, phishing, or spoofing attempts. You should also scan your attachments with an antivirus software, such as Avast, Norton, or McAfee, before opening them, and hover over links to check their destination before clicking on them.
Email is still the number one tool used to hack accounts and deliver malicious code like ransomware and viruses. There are a few simple tips to follow to protect yourself. 1. Treat all email as guilty until proven innocent. 2. Inspect the email of senders. Make sure it is the correct address and domain. 3. Watch for spelling and grammatical errors. 4.Be careful what you send. If it someone is asking for sensitive information that they normally do not. Perhaps try reaching out over another medium like, phone, text, and/or instant messaging to confirm. 5. Think before you click. Do not click on a link or open an attachment without checking all of the above. 6. When in doubt, reach out! If it seems “phishy”, pick up the phone.
Your email settings and permissions can affect how your email messages are handled, stored, and accessed. You should review them regularly and adjust them according to your needs and preferences. For example, you should check your email signature, auto-reply, and out-of-office messages to make sure they are accurate and professional. You should also check your email forwarding, delegation, and recovery options to make sure they are secure and authorized. Furthermore, you should check your email privacy, security, and notification settings to make sure they are optimal and updated.
Old and unwanted emails can clutter your inbox, waste your storage space, and expose your information. You should delete or archive them periodically to keep your email account clean, organized, and safe. You can delete emails that are spam, junk, or irrelevant, or that contain sensitive or personal information that you don't need anymore. You can archive emails that are important, useful, or sentimental, or that you may need in the future. You can also use filters, labels, folders, or categories to sort and manage your emails more efficiently.
Another thing to consider is asking your email administrator to add an external email warning header to any incoming email that originates from external senders. Something like, “This email originates from outside the organization. Be mindful when clicking links or opening attachments.” This way if an external sender is spoofing your CEO’s email address you would see a warning that the email did not in fact come from your CEO.