Keep Spam Out of Your Inbox: 3 Email Security Mistakes to Avoid

Businesses know the importance of maintaining reliable cybersecurity, which is why companies dedicate a team of top talents for their IT department. However, the same level of focus tends to fade regarding your employees and their attitude towards email security.

Many tend to overlook the threats looming in email security, especially when there is an over-reliance on the platforms’ built-in security measures. Seeing as most companies use a web-based email service, a minor slip-up or breach in security can negatively impact your business in more ways than one.

That’s why managers and IT service providers alike need to take on a more proactive role in educating employees about identifying email threats and how to defeat them, even for non-tech-savvy users. In that regard, the list below explores some of the common email security mistakes you need to avoid:

Mistake #1: Confusing BCC with CC

It’s easy to confuse Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) with its similar counter-part feature called the Carbon Copy (CC) in emails. Even for those who realize the mistake, not many are aware of the nightmare CC can bring to your contacts.

While both BCC and CC allow you to send a single email to multiple recipients, the primary difference between the two features is paramount: privacy and security. For one thing, BCC allows you to conceal the names and addresses of your clients on the email chain. CC, on the other hand, exposes the names online, which increases the risk of attracting cyberattacks.

With that in mind, it’s best to use the BCC function when sending chain mail to your clients as it reduces the chances of passing malicious files to groups of people.

Mistake #2: Failing to Identify Phishing Attacks

Even in this digitally-oriented age where people are more conscious of cyber threats, many still fall for phishing attacks, which compromises your personal information. Classic phishing attacks convince gullible users to reveal their sensitive data by pretending to be an authoritative figure.

These posers tend to pressure users by threatening to cancel either a service or subscription unless you provide more details about a piece of specific information, but always remember that legitimate sources will never ask for sensitive data that could compromise your privacy.

Mistake #3: Not Deleting the Files in the Cache

All your internet activity leaves behind a digital footprint that anyone can trace, which is why it’s crucial to delete files in your browser cache, especially when using a public network system. This means that checking your work email using a public Wi-Fi connection can be risky, especially since many websites save the username and passwords you use.

With that in mind, you can keep a clean record by deleting your cache, which reduces the risk of someone accessing your email account.

The Bottom Line: Keeping Your Inbox Clean and Secure

It’s easy to overlook the impact of email security, but there are still various ways hackers can trap you into giving up sensitive data that can compromise you or your business. The tips above should help you remember to keep a keen eye and ensure your inbox is free from threats.

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