Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Atlanta IT Support: a Guide to Email Security

Any business, no matter how big or small, uses emails regularly. Hackers and scammers know this, so dangerous emails have become extremely common.


We are aware you don't have the time to call Atlanta IT support every time an email looks fishy. That's why we are going to help you learn how to recognize and avoid malicious emails.


Email Types and Their Threat Level


There are several ways an email can sabotage you. Learning what each type does and how to spot them should be a priority.


Virus Emails


Malware has been around for almost as long as the internet. As time passed, viruses have become more sophisticated and dangerous.


They could destroy or steal all the data on a computer and spread to others. Some viruses can even make the computer virtually inoperable until the threat is removed. In short, you don't want one.


Be extremely careful with unsolicited emails. Unless you're entirely sure they can be trusted, don't open any attached files, don't click on any links, and don't reply


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More troublesome is malware that infects computers and sends more emails from the victim's account. If someone you know sends you weird emails, be cautious.


To be safe, consider getting IT support for your company in Atlanta. They can offer advice and excellent antivirus services.


Phishing Scams


Phishers pretend to be trustworthy individuals representing banks or companies. They ask victims for sensitive data like passwords or credit card information. They then use that information against you. These emails are generally sent in bulk and have no particular target.


Spear phishing is when a particular individual or group is targeted. This method is much more dangerous.


The sender may look for personal information to make the email more convincing. For example, they may pose as an Atlanta IT Support company or another service provider.


Never disclose valuable information in an email unless you are completely sure it's legitimate. Call the company to ensure that they asked for the data before sending it.


How to Spot Dangerous Emails


Usually, a virus or phishing attempt can be spotted. Some emails can be extremely convincing, but none is perfect. Here's what you should look out for:



  • Grammatical errors.

  • The sender has a different address than the person they're pretending to be.

  • The links in the email don't lead to the organization's official website.

  • The actual link URL is different from the printed text.

  • The email does not address you by name.

  • You are urged to go to a website or open an attachment.


Remember that a malicious email could have none of these signs. If it does, however, there's a good chance that it's a scam.


Other Dangers of Using Emails


We have covered the risks of opening suspicious emails, but there are other threats as well.


Picking a strong password is always important. Include numbers, upper-case and lower-case letters and make the password as long as possible. Otherwise, you increase the risks of having your account hacked.


Avoid using unsecured networks. If you connect to a public WiFi, like the one in a restaurant, you become vulnerable to hacks and viruses. Someone could gain control of the system and see any data you send or receive.


How an Atlanta IT Support Company Ensures Security


To make the workplace safe from cyber-attacks, it's best to get professionals on the job. An IT company can secure your network with firewalls, monitoring tools, and antivirus software.


It's hard to protect yourself against a determined hacker, but we will help you. We have years of experience in data security and other IT services. We will ensure everything runs smoothly while you grow your business, so get in touch with us now.


The post Atlanta IT Support: a Guide to Email Security appeared first on 1iX.

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