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Email safety and security: Tips for Email Safety

Tips

  1. Don't open emails from someone you don't know or trust.
  2. Never open an attachment in an email from someone you don't know or trust (or that you were not expecting). Attachments can contain viruses, which can seriously damage your computer. Drag these emails to your junk/spam folder.
  3. Never reply to or click on links inside junk/spam emails. Replying to, clicking on links within, or even unsubscribing from junk/spam emails typically only informs the sender that they have found an active email address to which they'll send more junk/spam emails. Instead, report the message as junk/spam.
  4. Avoid sending any sensitive information over email. When you send a message, you no longer have control over what is done with it or to whom it is forwarded. Sensitive information such as passwords or bank account numbers should never be sent via email. 
  5. Use a junk/spam filter. Junk/spam filters help you keep junk/spam emails from your inbox or flag spam emails so that you are aware of them. Depending on the software and configuration, some spam filters can automatically eliminate junk emails and block web bugs that track your activity and system information. 
  6. Use antivirus software. It is highly recommended that you install and maintain good and well-respected antivirus software on your computer to prevent infection. Scan all email attachments with an antivirus program before downloading, even if they come from someone you know. 
  7. Keep your passwords secure. It's recommended to change passwords at least every 60 days, particularly if you currently view and manage your email on a public computer. Use a mix of letters and numbers, as those passwords are harder to break. The password should not be easy to guess. Never share your password with anyone.
  8. Avoid bulk mail. These can fill up your mailbox and become extremely frustrating.  To avoid this:
  • Don't give your email address to sites you don't trust.
  • Keep your personal email private except from people that you really want to hear from. You can set up a second email account for registering for public websites.
  • Use an alternate email address when buying a product from a site for the first time or signing up for a new service.
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