Email Security Best Practices

At Community Bank of the Chesapeake, we believe in keeping your information protected and secured. Keeping updated records with your bank such as correct address, email, telephone numbers, etc., is extremely important in keeping your information secure. By maintaining updated records you could prevent your personal information from falling into the wrong hands, protect against fraud and identity theft.

Your email account is one of the most vulnerable places for personal information. Think of all the communication you do using email, whether for banking, work or other personal data. Use these best practices as a guide to keeping your email safe and secure.

• Keep multiple accounts. One way to keep your banking and personal data as secure as possible is to keep it separate by using multiple email accounts. The recommended number is three; one for work, one for online shopping, newsletters, etc. and one for your personal/banking transactions.
• Secure Passwords. Create different and strong passwords for all of your accounts. Avoid repetition, one word passwords or birth dates/ anniversary days.
• Dump your spam account. Your general account for subscriptions, shopping and more should be “dumped” every 6 months.
• Log out. Remember to completely log out of your account when not using it. If you are using a public computer for banking communications, remember to delete history, passwords, etc., from browser.
• Verify security. Make sure all information is sent through a secure network. Avoid opening emails from an unknown source or clicking on outside links. This is how many phishing attacks and scams occur. If you are sending sensitive data to your bank, consider using their online help center versus your email account.
• Stay Private. Don’t share your personal information with anyone and if you must relay bank information to someone, it is best done over the phone. However, with that said, be mindful of who you are around while speaking.

Keeping up-to-date information with your bank is important in keeping your information secure. If you’re looking for more great ideas to keep your account secure and why check out Data Protection 101.