Attackers have all the expertise and knowledge of hacking into applications to gain confidential data from the victim. The easiest way for them to gain access to valuable data is by hacking email accounts. Statistics highlight the fact that throughout the world every 1 in 4 accounts are hacked. Email accounts often contain valuable and confidential data like photos, invoices, receipts, addresses, contacts, banking details and often reset passwords for other accounts. Everything that a hacker needs to cash in and commit an identity theft which can then balloon into a full fledged cyber attack or data theft. Email accounts can be compromised in a number of ways, but the most common methods used for hacking is through phishing emails, exploiting flaws in software and guessing passwords. However, here are some simple ways to prevent attackers from hacking your email and gaining confidential data from you.

Steps to prevent email hacking

Consider using a password manager

It's best to use a password manager and change all the online passwords to strong, unique ones for every login. Password manager also prevents phishing attacks, as they fill in account information only based on the registered web addresses. You should also set up a two-factor authentication as an added layer of security to your account. This helps prevent unauthorized password resets.

Avoid opening suspicious mails

 

Phishing emails are the most popular and common ways adopted by attackers to hack emails. It is a method of hacking that has been around for a long time and despite the knowledge and information about the methods used to target victims, millions of people still fall a prey to such scams. Phishing emails are smartly designed to trick you into sharing confidential information such as an account number, password or date of birth by clicking on a link. The email may also include an attachment which if opened will directly infect your computer with malware. Over the years Identifying a phishing email has become a lot harder as attackers have evolved to be more advanced and deceptive in their attack methods. If you find a certain mail bit off or suspicious, you should avoid opening the email or clicking on any links.

Use a VPN on your electronic devices

 

Virtual Private Network, is a great tool for strengthening your privacy online. It facilitates safe browsing on the internet by routing your connection through a proxy server and hides your online connections. It provides an extra layer of security to both private and public networks such as Wi-Fi hotspots. The tool effectively helps encrypts all your data and prevent hackers from finding out your location or knowing your online activity.  Using VPN, your internet activity shall be untraceable with all your data encrypted safe and secure. VPN shall also make your browsing experience better, with fewer ads, less tracking, and, secure data. VPNs can be used on a wide variety of devices like a PC, laptop, phone or tablet. Users can safely shop, bank online, chat with friends without allowing anyone to snoop on your online activity.

 

Avoid using public Wi-Fi or public computers

 

It is not advisable to use public Wi-Fi or public desktop to open your mail. As much as possible, use internet only through your own computer or mobile device from your secured home network with your VPN turned on. Public computers are accessible by other people and this makes the device prone to being hacked by someone who could simply put in a malware on the device, and hack accounts.

Install strong antivirus on your device

A good antivirus or better yet, an Endpoint Security System secures your information, with real-time protection from phishing attacks and threats like malware, ransomware, etc. It will alert you from suspicious mails having virus filled attachments/links in it. Install an Antivirus/endpoint security system  on your computer and other devices to protect them from any virus or intrusion. 

Secure your router and Wi-Fi

Secure your router and home network, as unauthorized users could be trying to hack into your system. Ensure you change the admin password for your router and set your Wi-Fi password to something really strong.  This is one good way of preventing any hackers from hacking your system and keeping a track of your activity online.

Keep your computer and smartphone OS up-to-date

 

Keep your computers and other devices updated. This shall automatically secure your online activity on mails too and alert you in case of any threats or malware. Updates often include security improvements, so update your devices right away and prevent confidential data from being hacked at any given point of time.