Protecting Sensitive Emails
Best Practices Checklist
Keeping your email secure requires a combination of technical measures and business procedures. Follow these secure email best practices to reduce the risk of unauthorized access while mitigating the risk of data breaches and compliance violations.
1. Use Strong Encryption
Implement encryption, or better yet, end-to-end encryption for sensitive emails and attachments to ensure only intended recipients can access the content.
2. Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Utilize MFA to require additional verification methods beyond passwords to access email accounts, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
3. Educate Users on Phishing Risks
Train employees to recognize and report phishing attempts, reducing the risk of falling victim to social engineering attacks.
4. Regularly Update and Patch Software
Keep email clients, servers, and security software up-to-date to patch known vulnerabilities and protect against emerging threats.
5. Use Secure File Sharing
For large or sensitive attachments, use secure file sharing solutions instead of email to minimize exposure and improve tracking.
6. Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Use DLP tools to monitor outgoing emails and prevent accidental or intentional leakage of sensitive information.
7. Enforce Strong Password Policies
Require complex, unique passwords for email accounts and implement regular password changes to enhance account security.
8. Limit Access to Sensitive Information
Restrict access to confidential email content and attachments on a need-to-know basis to minimize potential exposure.
9. Regularly Backup Email Data
Maintain secure backups of email content and attachments to ensure data recovery in case of cyberattacks or system failures.
Learn More About Protecting Sensitive Emails
To learn more about sending sensitive emails securely, be sure to check out How to Send an Email Securely.
And to learn more about Kiteworks for secure email, be sure to check out Keep Your Business Communications Private With Secure Email.