Online Security & Safety Myths

Cybersecurity is increasingly being recognized by individuals, organizations, and government as a growing international threat. Staying safe on the internet is critical —however, online security myths still abound — and they themselves can pose a threat. When users misunderstand basic truths about the internet, that puts them at a heightened risk for falling victim to online scams, hacking, identity fraud, and other cybercrimes.

Here are three common online security myths that need to be busted in order to make data privacy in today’s digital age a reality:

1. My email is secure

Public email is often an entry point for cybercriminals as it can hold a treasure trove of sensitive and identifying information. With access to someone’s email account, hackers may be able to track the user’s financial information, deploy phishing scams and build a profile of the user to conduct sophisticated identity fraud. Beyond those risks, public email users may also face privacy issues from their email provider. For instance, certain major email providers have acknowledged that they read the messages of their users, highlighting the need for a private email service. Though public email is free, users can pay the price by sacrificing their privacy.

2. Deleting data is the best way to protect my privacy

Deleting an email, sending a document to the electronic trash bin or wiping your browser history may all be steps you take to protect your privacy — but they’re not enough. Cybercriminals can easily find those deleted items with simple recovery tools, which means you should take extra steps for optimum security. Online shredding tools are a good option and should always be used before you trash or donate any digital device.

3. Public Wi-Fi is safe

As the lines between work and home life become blurred and the quick pace of our world picks up, it seems like we’re all always connected — which means we’re often accessing Wi-Fi hotspots to stay online in public spaces. Even though public Wi-Fi is commonly used, that doesn’t mean it’s secure. Cybercriminals can easily set up a network and name it for a recognizable organization or institution in the area, which may make users more likely to log on—and easily expose their information. Even legitimate hotspots can be easily hacked, and hosts may also steal and sell information about users. Users should be sure to simply avoid using public Wi-Fi when possible to keep their private information safe.


Take the first step to internet safety and protect your email today with a private email account from Reagan.com. Protect the information that is yours and don’t allow big business to data mine your email. We may think we’re not at risk with the information we share online, but that simply is not true. Reagan.com offers the protection and security needed to make sure your information doesn’t get into the wrong hands. Sign up for your private email today!

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