Email may be a convenient way to communicate with coworkers and clients, but it isn’t inherently secure. As such, there are security holes in email that you should be aware of and address when applicable to data security. Here are a few advanced email hacks that can help reduce the risk and help keep your information safer in or out of the workplace. Use these three tips to boost your email security.
1. Use DNS Authentication
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a naming system for computers that are connected to the Internet. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NSIT) recently released a draft of DANE, a DNS-based Authentication of Named Entities for email systems. DANE will enhance cyber security by encrypting email messages between mail servers. DANE will digitally encrypt outgoing messages and verify certificates to ensure incoming emails are genuine. DANE is available for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera via a browser add-on.
2. Identify Graymail and Get Rid of It Safely
Graymail isn’t quite the same as spam; it’s email that you have, at one time, opted into receiving. However, that doesn't always mean it is email you want to receive. While you can unsubscribe from the mailing list, that doesn’t necessarily solve the problem as your email address might be stored and sold for phishing attempts. You can use a new tool, Cisco Email Security Appliance, to identify graymail and safely unsubscribe from it.
3. Use Self-Destructing Email with a Chrome Plugin
Google recently released a new Chrome plugin for Gmail that lets an email sender set a time limit on the existence of an email. After that time has passed, the email can no longer be read. The plugin works by using encryption, which the recipient of the email needs a key to decrypt. Once the plugin removes the key, the email can no longer be read by the recipient. This can be a useful way to control emails that contain sensitive information. However, it's important to remember that your recipient can still copy information from the email and store a copy of it. As such, while self-destructing email can be a useful part of an information security policy, you still need to think about the information you choose to share over email.
Protecting Your Email Security
Vala Secure can help you identify if your email communication is in line with industry best practices. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help strengthen your information security program.
