Why do you need to take greater care of your email than you think

Today we want to show a problem that is very present in the daily lives of Internet users. It is about email and the consequences that misuse of this service can have on security. We are going to show how they could attack us and put our computers at risk simply by receiving an email. We will also give advice on what we should do to avoid being victims of this problem.

Email, a very present service on the web

Currently, there are many options we have to communicate on the Internet. We can make use of instant messaging applications, social networks, video calls ... And yes, email is also widely used by both private users and companies.

It is a service that is really very present in our day today. We have the possibility of using it on any device simply by having an Internet connection. In addition, it not only serves to send messages, but we can use it to store information, share files, create and manage contacts, etc.

In short, the use of email means that we must take into account the importance of not making mistakes that may affect our security and privacy. 

How they can attack us by email

As we say, through a simple email, they could attack us in multiple ways. We are going to mention what are the most common problems that we could face and that we must avoid at all costs

Malware shipping

One of those problems is undoubtedly malware. We can receive a malicious file through email, and that, when opened, seriously compromises the security and proper functioning of our equipment.

There are many styles of malware that we are able to  receive through this medium. We speak, for example, of ransomware, keyloggers, spyware ... Many types of threats affect our computers regardless of the operating system we are using.

Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks are also very present. As we know, they are the method hackers use to steal passwords and credentials. They basically throw a bait, they pose as some legitimate organization or company, but it is actually a cyber attack.

The victim enters their data, and they end up on a server controlled by the attackers. This is how they collect the passwords and credentials that they can later use.

Spam

Without a doubt, Spam, junk mail is another very frequent problem. On the one hand, it is annoying to receive misleading, intrusive, and constant advertising. But it should also be mentioned that malicious software can sneak in and carry out attacks through this type of email.

Information search

The other hand, another of the objectives of hackers via email is the search for information. Obtaining data from the victim is very valuable. It is a reality that our personal information has great value on the network and that it can be used to send targeted advertising, Spam, or even sell it to third parties.

How to avoid being victimized by email

Luckily we have at our disposal different possibilities to reduce the risk and avoid being victims of attacks and problems through email. We are going to talk about the main thing that cannot be missed.

Have security tools

One of those things that can not be missing is security tools. Having a good antivirus can prevent the entry of malicious software on our computers that affect our security.

There are many options that we can find when we talk about security programs. They are available for all types of operating systems and devices. There are free and paid ones.

Upgraded equipment

It is also essential to have the equipment correctly updated. Sometimes there are vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Receiving an email configured to exploit an uncorrected security flaw can be a problem.

For this reason, we need to always hold the device with all the patches and the latest versions. You also have to update the browser and any application to open the email.

Use multiple accounts

An interesting tip to especially prevent Spam is to use multiple accounts. We can use a more personal one and have another in parallel to register on pages or platforms that may not be completely reliable and that later send us Spam.

There are many providers that we can use in this regard, and it is convenient to have several accounts to protect ourselves from these circumstances.

Common sense

Last but perhaps most important, common sense. It is vital not to make mistakes, not to open files that are doubtful, not to respond to an email that we cannot trust, not to log in from a link we receive ... In short, always keeping common sense in mind can avoid problems that may lead to risk our security and privacy.

 

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