Your email is insecure!

Did you know that the way most people access their email is completely insecure?  No?

If you are in anyway concerned with keeping your email address secure (everyone should be!) then please read on for a completely free and easy way to secure your email with bank-grade security and prevent your email account being hacked...

The Risks

Most people that I know use Outlook or some form of webmail to access their email.  Both of these methods (unless setup correctly) are completely insecure.  If you ever access your email from anywhere other than your own internet connection then you are putting your account at serious risk.  Even if you only ever use your own internet connection, those usernames and passwords are still going across the world 'in the clear' until they reach your email provider's network.  Do you trust every network on the way?  I wouldn't.  If you don't either, then read on to find out how to fix the problem.

In only a few minutes, I could demonstrate how easy it is to grab usernames and passwords when using some 'free wifi' in a coffee shop or hotel network.  And whats more, by using only free software from the internet and a standard laptop!

How is this Possible?

Firstly, unless you have setup secure access, then did you know your email address and password are sent 'in the clear' everytime you open Outlook or open your webmail?

No?

Well its true.  And hence why it is trivial to see those passwords flying over the network.

So what is the Solution?

If you use Outlook (or any other client software)...

If you would like to continue using client software then ask your email provider if they support 'Secure POP3'.  If they do, then set it up. This site appears to be a good place to start if you want to know how to setup secure email using Outlook.  If you would be happy to switch to using webmail then please read on; webmail actually has lots of benefits over Outlook and I would personally recommend you switch to webmail.  (One of the main benefits I love is that I can access my mail from anywhere).

If you already use webmail...

Ask if your provider offers SSL access or just go ahead and try it out.  Eg:

https://www.gmail.com

If this works then use it.  Always.

The 's' in the https means that the connection is secure just like your online banking.  If your provider doesn't then you still have hope.. just read on!

My email provider doesn't offer secure access...

Well Gmail does.  Open a GMail account (using https://www.gmail.com of course!) then redirect your email to your new GMail account.  What's even better is that you can change the 'from' address in your GMail account so that it appears to come from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if required.  That is what I do.  It also means you get all the great 'added value' features of GMail (for example, integration with your Google Calendar).

I hope this article has helped you to secure your email.  If you're unsure of anything, please don't hesitate to email me: security 'at' cbrnetworks.com

Stay Safe,

Paul
Director,
CBR Networks Ltd

Last updated 8 Oct 10.