4 Ways to Protect Your Personal Information Through Email

From business communications to messages with our loved ones, our email today contains a wealth of personal data that, if it falls into the wrong hands, could have serious and detrimental side effects. There are a number of security measures email users can take—from encrypted email providers to better email password practices.

Here are four tips for keeping your email—and all of your personal information—private and secure:

  • Be Smart About Password Security

    While it may sound simple, picking the right passwords for your email account, as well as any other password-protected service, can be essential. Choose a password that doesn’t contain any easily identifiable information, such as addresses, names or birthdates. Change passwords frequently, and don’t write them down nor save them in digital format.

  • Use a Private Email Address

    A private email address offers the most secure account possible. Private email providers prioritize users’ privacy and store messages securely and on an internal database, instead of on loosely protected external storage sites.

  • Use Encrypted Email Providers

    Private email often goes hand in hand with encrypted email providers, which add an extra level of password protection. Encrypted email providers ensure that solely the sender and receiver are able to open the message, guarding against everything from hacking to tracking by big businesses.

  • Improve Device Security

    Even if you’re using encrypted email providers and relying on safe email practices, your email is only as secure as the device on which you’re accessing it. Be sure to have strong anti-virus software on home computers and to be mindful of only connecting to a secure Internet connection. Using a public connection especially when using a mobile device while you’re on the go can leave you unprotected.

While email privacy is a significant issue facing both private citizens and corporations, these four steps can make your email, and all of the personal information that it houses, more secure.

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