Like most businesses, you and your employees depend on email to get things done. But did you know that the number one security risk to your organization are the emails you receive? As the prevalence of email-borne attacks continues to grow, so does the risk of significant impact to your operations. So how do you balance the need for email when you could just be one click away from disaster? It’s time to take control with these tips that can help your organization recognize email fraud and proactively reduce your risks.
Tip #1 – Promote Email Safety
Your employees are your best defense against phishing emails, but they can also be your biggest weakness, too. Implement an education program that promotes email safety and teaches your employees how to recognize phishing attempts.
Tip #2 – Keep Software Updated
Cybercriminals take advantage of known vulnerabilities in software, like web browsers and operating systems. By keeping up with software updates, such vulnerabilities are patched to help block emails that contain malicious URLs.
Tip #3 – Check URLs Before Clicking
Don’t let your guard down when receiving emails that include hyperlinks to log into your account even if the email looks like it is an official email (e.g., a request from your credit card company or bank). Always look at the URL to make sure that it is from the legitimate owner’s website before entering your username and password. When in doubt, contact what would be the legitimate sender to inquire about the email.
Tip #4 – Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication
Using multi-factor authentication can prevent bad actors from gaining access into your corporate email account even if a username and corresponding password are stolen. Login attempts are logged, and the account’s user is notified if unauthorized attempts are made, and then can be quickly denied access.
Tip #5 – Trust Your Gut Feelings
If an email seems sketchy, trust your gut feelings, even if an urgent response is requested. It is better to take the time to ensure that it is a valid email than to unwittingly unleash an email cyber-attack.
Tip #6 – Know Your Cyber Risks
In the battle against email security threats, it is always better to be proactive than reactive. Conduct regular cyber-risk assessments to figure out what your risks for attacks are and what consequences would occur from it.
The trick to dodging email cyber risks is to stay ahead of the game. Play it smart and get started today with the tips we recommend for protecting your business from the harm email threats can cause it.
About NATIONAL
Committed to their customers since 1927, NATIONAL offers a range of Managed Services including IT Support and Augmentation, Cybersecurity, UCaaS, Managed Print, Document Management as well as VoIP/Telephony, Cloud Services, Printers, Copiers, MFPs, Product Print Equipment and SmartBoards.
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