Top 5 Best Practices for Email Security in 2021

Whether your business is large or small, one of the most popular methods of online correspondence is through Email. However, without the right security measures in place, your email account can easily fall victim to phishing and malicious attacks.

• Can you identify a phishing or malicious email?
• Would you know how to resolve a phishing or malicious email before it’s too late?

There are some measures that you can put in place to help prevent phishing and malicious attacks from occurring within your business.

In this blog we discuss what to look out for, the five best practices to consider regarding your email account and what to do in the event of an email attack.

What to look out for?

Often there are some identifiable clues that the email you have received is not a legitimate email.

• Typos! – Yes, we are all prone to making the occasional typo now and then. But these typos can generally be identified in the scammers emailing address, company name or within links embedded in the email.
• Uncommon URLs – They may seem legitimate but if you delve further (by simply hovering over the link) you will be able to confirm if the link is legitimate or not.
• Misinformation - The sender’s email address does not match the company which they state they are contacting you from.
• Email Layout - Lack of formatting, company branding and/ or suspicious contact information.
• Immediate and Large Purchases - If the sender requests for personal information and/or asks for a large purchase to be made immediately. This should send a red flag!!!!
• Stranger Danger - Never click on links from companies or people you don’t know.

5 Best Practices

• Ensure you set a strong password that is separate from any other passwords you use for any other applications and/ or devices.
• Set up Multifactor Authentication where possible. This will help prevent others from entering your account as you will be notified every time a login occurs and may also be prompted to enter an additional code to authorise a login.
• Include and implement an Antivirus Solution and email security solutions to increase protection of your accounts.
• Create awareness and provide training on what phishing emails may look like and remember to take caution when opening attachments or links.
• Implement a Cyber Security Plan. This should include policies, guidelines, requirements, and recommendations when using your business technologies and alternative communication channels.

What to do when you receive a suspicious email!

• Avoid opening the email.
• If you have opened the email then avoid clicking on any links, other attachments or responding.
• Report/ flag the email as a phishing or malicious email so that it can be tracked and monitored.
• Ask a higher employee (face-to-face), if the email received was a legitimate email.

Where to from here?!

Unfortunately, several employees fall victim to scammers each day. At Novata Solutions we are here to provide guidance and assistance in ensuring that your business is better equipped and protected.