Email is one of the most convenient ways to send a message, which is why millions of messages are sent every day through email platforms. Sadly, many of those emails will fall into the wrong hands because email is an almost entirely unprotected method of online communication. Sensitive information is stolen from emails every day.
Many people believe email is the digital version of sending a letter, but the truth is, sending an email is more similar to sending a postcard. If the postcard falls into the wrong hands, it’s easy for the wrong person to read the message. That’s why postcards are typically used primarily for sending quick updates without any sensitive information. Email users should think of email the same way.
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Why is email security so weak?
When email was first created in the late 20th century, security wasn’t a priority. Email operates through something called a Standard Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). The original version of this protocol only supported unauthenticated and unencrypted messages. While security measures have improved, there’s still a long way to go. So what makes email security so weak?
No encrypted messages
When you send an email, it travels across multiple servers before arriving in the recipient's inbox. While the email is in transit, it can be accessed, altered, and even deleted by server administrators or any hacker or scammer who has breached their security.
While messages travel across networks, the only way to secure them is to encrypt the data. An encrypted message appears like nonsense to anyone without a key to decode the information. Email platforms don’t encrypt messages, meaning your sensitive data is vulnerable to anyone trying to access it in transit.
Data Leaks and Phishing Scams
Nearly everyone who’s used email for regular communication has experienced a message falling into the wrong hands due to a mistyped email address. Some email platforms allow you to unsend an email, but only within a few minutes, and only if you’ve configured your email account to allow it.
Gmail allows you to unsend, but you have to unsend within 30 seconds. Other platforms like Microsoft Outlook allow you to unsend a message, but only if the message has not yet been read by the recipient. While these options give you a little extra flexibility, it’s still possible to send a message containing important information to the wrong person.
If you’ve ever sent a message to the wrong recipient, hopefully, it was a harmless mistake and didn’t lead to any compromised information. However, if a message containing financial information, health records, passwords, or personal identification info arrives in the wrong inbox, one small typo in the address box can have major social, financial, and legal ramifications. Email does not have any method for retracting information sent, even after you realize it was sent to the wrong location.
Phishing attacks are also becoming increasingly common. In a phishing scam, attackers send falsified messages, hoping to trick the recipient into revealing confidential information. Scammers often pretend to be someone you know and trust or a member of your company and ask you for things like usernames, passwords, financial information, or other sensitive data.
These scams are possible because anyone can send you an email if they have your address. It’s difficult to block all messages from malicious senders. Phishing attacks are one of the primary culprits of leaked data.
Malware Attacks
Malware is a type of malicious software that can harm your device or network. This software can comb through your email account or your organization’s stored information, stealing any valuable data.
It’s estimated that 2-4% of emails contain malware. While many email platforms provide scanning services to detect malware, cybercrime technology advances every day. Cyber criminals occasionally are able to find ways to get past the filters, leaving users vulnerable.
Attackers can send emails that require clicking a link or downloading a file. Once the link is clicked or the file downloaded, the software begins running immediately, working to steal any data accessible from your device.
Better options for email security
When email isn’t cutting it when it comes to your security needs, what do you do? Luckily, there are things you can do to better protect the information you're sending and receiving.
End to end encryption
Email encryption is the first line of defense when it comes to improving the security vulnerabilities of email. An encrypted email turns the data into a jumbled message that the end user must decode before reading. This keeps data safe from hackers and unwanted third parties.
There are two commonly used types of encryption: encryption in transit and end to end encryption. Encryption in transit protects your information while it’s moving between servers, which is when it’s most vulnerable to hackers. However, this type of encryption gives email providers access to your information, which creates a vulnerability.
Many people prefer to allow email providers access to their information by using encryption in transit because it allows email providers to create automatically generated calendar invites and keep a record of message history. But if you’re looking for the highest level of security, end to end encryption is the better option.
End to end encryption means any files, information, or messages you send are encrypted before ever leaving your device and remain encrypted until landing at the final destination. If anyone tries to intercept a message while in transit, it will appear to be a bunch of jumbled nonsense. The message is only able to be decoded by the recipient through the use of a private key.
Many messaging services have started offering end to end encryption because of the need for greater security while sending important information. Apps like Zoom, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams all have end to end encryption options.
Two Factor Authentication and One Time Passwords
Passwords and PIN codes are excellent tools for improving email security, however, passwords can be compromised. Two factor authentication and one time passwords add an extra layer of security.
When two factor authentication is enabled, the user must enter their password to access the files. After entering their password, they’ll be sent a second password through text message or an authentication app. The second password expires immediately after use. This is called a one time password (OTP).
A 2019 report from Microsoft found that two factor authentication blocked 99% of automated hacking attempts of email accounts. This security measure can protect against phishing schemes as well. If someone attempts to gain access to your account through information gained through a phishing scheme, they’re unlikely to be successful at getting through the second round of password protection.
Client portals
A client portal is an alternative to email that allows you to securely send and receive information. Instead of implementing passwords and encryption to improve email security, client portals avoid the risks of email entirely. Client portals utilize firewalls, malware scanners, and encryption to protect sensitive information.
Why use Content Snare?
Content Snare allows you to collect information or files from anyone without fear of interception. All files are encrypted in transit, allowing you to rest easy, knowing only the intended recipient will be able to access the files. For extra security, you can set PIN codes and passwords to keep the information safe.
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