Whispered Wisdom Workshops Presents: A Gentle Guide to Email Safety for Newbies

Whispered Wisdom Workshops Presents:

A Gentle Guide to Email Safety for Newbies

Unfortunately, a simple Jedi mind trick will not keep you safe online

Hello cherished readers,

In this cozy corner of the digital world, we're gathered to talk about email—a handy tool that sometimes gets misunderstood as a potential Pandora's box of problems. But worry not! We’re here to softly untangle the ins and outs of using email without the drama.

I understand the importance of protecting your online experience and I will be revisiting the subject of cybersecurity on a regular basis. Your online safety and protection is really the reason I started this whole blog, it is something I deal with on a daily basis in my job, and I want you to have enough knowledge to feel confident online.

So here are a few helpful tips that I hope will help...

Cybercriminals are opportunists
Let's not give them the opportunity

Understanding Friendly Strangers and Phishing:

Think of phishing as a pesky mosquito buzzing around an otherwise pleasant evening. They dress up to look like people you trust, like your bank, and try to catch you off-guard.

• A Whispered Tip: Glance for oddities in greetings or language, and when in doubt, call your 'trusted source' directly to make sure it’s actually them buzzing around your inbox.

• Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to trick you into providing personal information.

• They might pretend to be from a trusted company (like your bank) and ask you to click on a link or download an attachment.

Tip: Look out for generic greetings, poor grammar, and requests for personal information. If suspicious, contact the company directly using a verified number or email.

If you receive a phishing email or text message, you should:

• Forward the phishing email to reportphishing@apwg.org, which is used by the Anti-Phishing Working Group, including ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies.

• Forward the phishing text message to SPAM (7726).

• Report the phishing attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

• Let the company or person that was impersonated know about the phishing scheme.

Attachments Are Like Unopened Parcels:

Sometimes, people send you files. But unlike holiday gifts, opening the wrong one can be a nuisance.

• A Whispered Tip: Feel free to ask the sender if they meant to send you that surprise package (file) before you open it.

• Cybercriminals often send malware or viruses hidden in email attachments.

Tip: Only open attachments from known and trusted senders. If in doubt, verify with the sender directly before opening anything.

Names Can Be Deceptive, Email Addresses Less So:

Just as one rose by any other name would not smell as sweet, an email from 'Your Bank' might just be a costume.

• A Whispered Tip: Hover your mouse over the name to reveal the true email identity. If it looks fishy, don’t take the bait.

• It's easy to spoof a display name. E.g., an email might appear to be from "Your Bank" but the actual email address might be a string of random characters.

Tip: Hover over the sender's name to see the actual email address. If it looks suspicious, do not engage.

Passwords: Your Secret Handshake:

Consider your password a secret handshake only you and your email should know.

• A Whispered Tip: Mix and match letters, numbers, and even a symbol or two for that extra flair.

• Your email account is a treasure trove of personal information.

Tip: Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to track your passwords. Also, don't use dates, like birthdays, and don't start or finish your passwords with a number or symbol... scammers know most people do this. DON'T MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM!

Password security starts with creating a strong password. A strong password is:

• At least 12 characters long but 14 or more is better.

• A combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Not a word that can be found in a dictionary or the name of a person, character, product, or organization.

• Significantly different from your previous passwords.

• Easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Consider using a memorable phrase like "F!veL!0nsGr0wling".

The Double-Check of Two-Factor Authentication:

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is like a secret knock following your secret handshake.

• A Whispered Tip: Many email providers offer 2FA. It’s like asking someone to confirm their identity before entering your treehouse.

• 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification beyond just a password.

Tip: Most major email providers offer 2FA. It might be a code sent to your phone or a biometric like a fingerprint.

Read This for guidance on 2FA apps

Don’t Write Down Your Life Story:

Emails can be as public as a town square if they fall into the wrong hands.

• A Whispered Tip: Keep your Social Security numbers and deep, dark secrets off the email stage.

• Even if you trust the recipient, email accounts can be hacked.

Tip: Never share passwords, bank details, or any other sensitive details over email, it's just not worth the risk.

The Elixir of Updates:

Just as you wouldn’t ignore a health check-up, your email platform likes to stay fresh and secure.

• A Whispered Tip: Keep things up to date to ward off any potential gremlins.

• Software updates often contain patches for security vulnerabilities.

Tip: Regularly update your email client, operating system, and any security software.

Trust in the Shields of Antivirus:

A good antivirus is like an amiable bouncer at a classy club, quietly keeping out the riff-raff.

• A Whispered Tip: Let your antivirus mingle with your incoming emails. Make sure it's always dressed in its latest update.

• These programs scan incoming emails for threats.

Tip: Set your antivirus to automatically update to ensure it recognizes the latest threats

I will post specifically about the different anti-virus in future posts, but for now these are a great place to start.

Links: Not All Are Rainbows and Unicorns:

Those hyperlinks might lead to enchanted castles or mere illusions.

• A Whispered Tip: Hover over the link, as if you’re sniffing a mysterious potion. If it smells off, don't drink it.

• Cybercriminals often use legitimate-looking links that lead to fake sites where they can capture your information.

Tip: Hover over a link to see where it actually leads. If the URL looks strange or unrelated, it might be best to avoid it.

Share the Wisdom, Spread the Calm:

Knowledge is a light that dispels shadows. The more we know, the less frightening the dark seems to be.

• A Whispered Tip: Pass on these gentle tips to friends and family who might also appreciate a softer approach to tech.

• The more people know about email threats, the harder it is for cybercriminals to succeed.

Tip: Share your knowledge with friends and family, especially those who might not be as tech-savvy.

In Conclusion

In the tranquil meadow of email-land, it’s okay to tiptoe around until you get the lay of the land. Take your time, double-check when needed, and trust your peaceful instincts. You’re doing just fine. 🍃

You have taken your first steps into a much larger world
Stay safe, stay alert, but have fun, please.