In 2022, email is expected to be one of the most popular ways to communicate. Email, in reality, is used by half of the world’s population. Professionals in large, medium, and small businesses can’t do their jobs without it. In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, remote working has become more prevalent than ever before. An email attack is expected or probable, according to 60 %, according to the Mimecast State of Email Security 2021 Report.

Here are different recommended practices for email security that you can implement into your business cyber security plan.

Use Secure TLS Servers for Email Protection

You may interact with your email server using TLS, which is an encryption technique that enhances the security of your communications. Encryption is done using two “keys.” One is public and the other is secret, which only a receiver may access. Because of this, an email can only be viewed by the sender if they have the recipient’s private key.

Better Password Management

Strong password management procedures are one of the most critical email security strategies. Use secure passwords that are different for each account for all of your customers and employees. That way, if one account is hacked, the risk of other accounts being compromised is reduced. It is possible for enterprises to deploy password management tools in order to better manage passwords. Admins can see who is using weak passwords and who is using strong ones thanks to these systems, which make it simple for staff to apply them.

passwords should be:

• Numbers and symbols in both capital and lowercase characters
• Uncommon words
• Contains no names, or any other information that is readily identified
• Unique to each and every client

Using this method, even if your account credentials are stolen in a phishing attempt, you can keep your data safe.

Use Two factor authentication

Two-factor authentication ensures that every login is meant by someone on your side by requiring end-users to provide two-factor authentication. A two-factor authentication may take two forms. Unlocking your phone or other messaging services requires an OTP. To confirm you are attempting to log in, answer a question on your phone.

In short, attackers can’t get to your email unless they also have your phone. Since attackers require verification from two devices to get in, even if your password is hacked, you may use two-factor authentication.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Remember that public Wi-Fi connections are vulnerable to attack, and warn your employees of this. Anybody connected to the same public Wi-Fi network that an employee is using to view their company email might see what they are typing in. To monitor and obtain access to email personal information, malicious actors may use open-source packet sniffers like Wireshark. If you’re using a public Wi-Fi network and don’t want your inbox to be automatically updated every time you login, practically all systems will do it for you. Using a Wi-Fi network exposes a user’s account details to hackers.

Use only well-known and safe Wi-Fi networks for checking email.

Train your staff in Cybersecurity Awareness

First and foremost, employees are the first line of defense against email-borne assaults for enterprises. In order to lower an organization’s cyber risk and keep its data safe, cybersecurity awareness training helps workers understand the challenges they face. Encourage your staff to be vigilant about email security and to know the repercussions of not following best practices.

CONCLUSION

The best solution to prepare and defend against email attacks is to implement a layered defense including technology, processes and users. Human error and improper configuration and/or usage of technology are just two examples of the many variables that technology security and threat intelligence must take into consideration to incorporate into a good layered email security approach. A good point to start is to adhere to above mentioned best practices and continually evolve accordingly.