With data protection and privacy being on top of many businesses minds especially in sectors such as accountancy and law firms, it is vital that you understand the basics surrounding email security and making sure that your business is in line with regulations. In this blog, we will cover the basics of email security and making sure that any sensitive information is protected correctly.

 

We often send sensitive information via email. How can we make sure it’s secure?

In order to make sure sensitive information sent by email is secure, it is important you understand the steps which you can take to fortify your inbox. At Three Cherries, we have listed these below and why they will help.

 

Staff Training

One method to ensure that sensitive information sent via emails is secure is by ensuring that your staff are trained to identify phishing threats and possible weaknesses which hackers may exploit. One commonly used method which is used to help train staff is a combination of simulated phishing and security awareness training. Businesses can use a simulated phishing provider to send a fake malicious email to employees and track who falls for these pretend emails. Any members of staff who fail this can then complete a security awareness training programme in order to teach them key skills in identifying threats. With 80% of data breaches being down to user error it is important that this weakness is reduced consequently making you have a net gain in email security.

 

Trusted Email Providers

Ensure that your business uses a trusted and well-known provider such as Outlook or Gmail for your mailing. These providers such as Microsoft and Google have secure storage options for your emails and require strong log-in credentials to access the mailbox. This means that there is a further barrier against malicious intent. By creating this barrier, you are reducing the likelihood of the wrong people getting into your mailbox and therefore increasing email security

 

Two Factor Authentication

Providers such as Microsoft allow for two factor authentication to be assigned to your account. This provides another layer of security in which requires a second device being sent a code to verify your identity. In the case of Microsoft, an application called “Microsoft Authenticator” is used to verify your identity creating a streamlined process compared to other multi factor authentication options. This prevents hackers accessing mailboxes and seeing any emails which may include sensitive data.

 

Email Security: Fortifying Your Communications

In conclusion, emails prove to be an essential form of communication for all businesses around the globe from small accountancy firms to large engineering organisations. Therefore, it is vital that your email security is as strong as possible to avoid downtime and loss of communication. By following the simple areas listed above, your business will be at a reduced risk of threats such as data breaches. Training staff with a security awareness course also teaches vital modern day skills which will in turn create a culture shift within your business, making cybersecurity front of mind. With over 80% of data breaches being down to human error and this number rising year by year, what are you going to do to reinforce your email security and cybersecurity?