There are few technology solutions that have been as transformative and important for businesses as email. Unfortunately, however, it’s remarkably easy for a hacker to gain access to an email account to cause all kinds of chaos for a business. Let’s consider ways you can protect your business’ email accounts and, by extension, the rest of your organization’s infrastructure.

Use Strong Passwords

Your employees should always use strong passwords whenever possible, and they should consist of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Furthermore, they should be on the longer side and updated regularly, avoiding commonly-guessed dates like birthdays, anniversaries, or other information that might be found on social media.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

You shouldn’t rely on even the most complex passwords on their own. Instead, you can add an additional layer of security through the use of multi-factor authentication methods. These consist of codes sent to mobile devices or emails, as well as biometric tools. They are great in the event a hacker has guessed a password, as MFA will keep them locked out without the second credential.

Train Your Team on Phishing Awareness

Even educated users can fall victim to phishing attacks, which makes it all the more important for those who aren’t educated to get with the program. Teach your employees what to look for when they suspect that there is something wrong, and encourage them to check senders, review message content for spelling and grammar errors, and avoid attachments or links when there is any doubt. In other words, teach them that skepticism is critical to ensuring that your business doesn’t fall victim to phishing attacks.

Utilize Email Encryption

Businesses need encryption to keep their email safe, particularly where sensitive information is concerned. Without encryption for messages and attachments, emails could be intercepted and read by unauthorized parties, leading to hefty compliance and regulatory fines.

Update and Patch Your Systems

Your email system needs to be patched and updated regularly to ensure that it is protected from the latest threats. In this way, it’s no different from any other application your business uses. Proactive maintenance should be applied to guarantee it operates smoothly.

These tasks are important to ensure that your business can withstand the myriad of attacks that will strike your email system. Be ready today by contacting 415 IT at (415) 295-4898.