If you were sharing private information with a colleague, you would walk into their office and shut the door, rather than broadcast it in the breakroom where anyone can hear it. Likewise, sending private information via email requires certain safeguards.

We all use email to communicate potentially sensitive information, but many people do not realize the dangers of sending credentials via plain text, versus an encrypted email. Here are a few things you should know about encrypting emails:

Public Key and Private Key

Encrypted emails are set up with a public key and private key. The public key is for you to give to anyone needing to send you a message, and the private key is just for your knowledge. When someone needs to send you a private message, they can use your public key, and when you need to open the message, you would use your private key.

Proofpoint

There are several encryption services available, but one that we recommend is Proofpoint. Proofpoint offers a complete range of cybersecurity services, including email protection, social media protection, information archive and compliance, information protection and more.

Encrypt All Emails or Just a Few?

When encrypting emails, it is crucial to encrypt all of them, not just the ones with sensitive data, such as credit card info, login credentials, etc. If you encrypt only one in a thousand emails, it will stand out like a sore thumb to hackers. Remove the “X marks the spot” by encrypting all emails, and hackers will not label you as a target.

Although it may not seem necessary on the forefront, email encryption is a vital step in maintaining Internet security. When sending credentials via email, it is especially necessary to protect against hackers as thoroughly as possible. Call ICC at 970-419-0602 to find out how you can make your email interactions safer.