3 Steps To Secure Your E-mail

Simple steps anyone can follow to make email accounts safer and less vulnerable to phishing.

Phishing emails and online information theft are both frightening and frustrating. They flood inboxes hoping that our guard is down, trying to trick us into giving away private details. While the fight against hackers and scammers seems never-ending, there are a few straightforward steps you can take to strengthen your defenses.

Step 1: Never Click On Shortened Links

Clicking on any link in an email should always be done with caution. Shortened links using services like Bitly or TinyURL are red flags because the destination is hidden. Phishing campaigns rely heavily on these disguised links. A common example is a fake security alert warning that “someone overseas accessed your account.” The email often includes a big “CHANGE PASSWORD” button, but clicking it takes you to an imitation site designed to steal your login credentials.

Step 2: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication may sound complicated, but the idea is simple. Just as the DMV asks for more than one form of ID, 2FA requires two pieces of evidence to prove who you are. Most sites allow you to connect your mobile number or authenticator app so that even if your password is stolen, a second code is needed to access your account. This extra step often makes the difference between a stolen password and a protected account.

Step 3: Pay Attention To Small Details

Most phishing attacks rely on appearances. A sender might use “Googlemail.com” instead of “Gmail.com” or slip in subtle typos and formatting errors. These small inconsistencies are signals that something isn’t right. If an email feels suspicious—whether it’s the wording, the sender address, or sloppy presentation—trust your instincts and don’t click.

Taken together, these steps help protect your credentials and online presence. And if you also need to secure files on physical media, services like USB copy protection software provide an affordable way to lock down sensitive data stored on flash drives or external media.