Information Technology Cloud: Make Sure Your Emails Are Safe: Tips for Internet Security

The last thing you want to do is to have an unwanted e-mail wreck havoc on your computer. However, this happens everyday. At the best, it can make your computer run slower. At the worst, your personal and financial information can be stolen, or your entire computer can crash and everything could get lost due to a virus.

The following article includes some tips for internet security when it comes to your e-mail.

- Don't open attachments from people you don't know. This should go without saying. However, people do it all the time. Usually, the subject lines of these unwanted e-mails either make it look as though they are sending you something that you requested
(“here's the information you asked for”) or they make it appear as if they know you
(“Hey, it's me, John”). However, if you weren't expecting any email with an attachment
and you don't recognize the sender's address don't open it. It could contain a virus.

- Don't give out any information. On the other hand, sometimes your internet security can be
threatened from senders who pretend to know you and try to get you to give them information. For
instance, if you are applying for jobs on various search sites, someone might contact you and say
that they found your resume. They could then send you to another site and ask for your personal
information, like your social security number, by pretending to have you fill out an application. Unless you are applying for a state or government job, or have already been through the interview
process and they need to run a background check on you, you should never give out your social
security number.

- Don't use the same passwords. Never use the same passwords for your email account as you do for your expedia account, online banking account , or any other website that stores financial information. It is fairly easy to figure out email passwords and once a hacker has it, they can get into your other accounts as well and your information can be used.

- Change your passwords. Also, remember to change your passwords from time to time. Try including numbers, as well as letters, in your passwords. It makes it harder to figure them out.

- Don't let other people access your email account. Never give someone else your password when it comes to your email accounts. It's difficult enough for you to keep tabs on your internet security, much less trusting other people to keep it safe.