Email Hardening Guide

Email Hardening Guide

This page provides a comprehensive guide to securing email communications, which is crucial for both personal and organizational cybersecurity. Proper email security can mitigate risks associated with a variety of cyber threats.

Introduction to Email Security

Email systems are common targets for cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and unauthorized access. Enhancing email security involves implementing strong security measures, using the right tools, and educating users on potential risks.

Common Email Threats

• Phishing and Spear Phishing: Deceptive emails that attempt to collect sensitive information. See Red Teaming Phishing and Smishing Guide.
• Malware: Malicious software distributed through email attachments or links.
• Spam: Unsolicited emails that can clog inboxes and potentially lead to phishing or malware.

Email Services

Email services are critical for communication but come with inherent risks. Selecting a secure email provider and using tools like aliasing services can significantly enhance privacy and security.

Recommended Email Providers

For a more expansive guide and the source to this section, see PrivacyGuides

• Disroot: More than just email and focused on privacy and security allowing smtp, imap, and gpg/pgp. It takes several days to have your account request approved but it is real.
• ProtonMail: Offers end-to-end encryption and advanced security features.
• Tutanota: Provides secure, encrypted email storage and messaging.
• Mailbox.org: Focused on privacy and ad-free service.
• StartMail: Easy-to-use encrypted email for businesses and individuals.

Recommended Email Clients

For a more expansive guide and the source to this section see PrivacyGuides

• Thunderbird (Desktop & MacOS)
• CanaryMail (MacOS & iOS)
• FairMail (Android)

Email Aliasing

For a more expansive guide and the source to this section see PrivacyGuides Email aliasing provides an additional layer of privacy by hiding your primary email address and generating unique addresses for different services.

Benefits of Email Aliasing

• Hides your "main" email address from marketers and trackers.
• Shields your inbox from spam and correlating accounts.
• Allows you to turn off or delete aliases when no longer needed.

Recommended Email Aliasing Services

• SimpleLogin: Offers free and premium aliasing services, with integration for ProtonMail.
• Addy.io: Free plan with 10 shared and unlimited "standard" aliases.
• AnonAddy: Open-source aliasing service with robust privacy features.

Using Aliases

• Generate a unique alias for each website or service.
• Enable replies to be sent from aliases for added privacy.
• Consider paid aliasing services and additional features for custom domains.

Email Encryption

Enhancing privacy and security through email encryption is crucial for protecting sensitive information.

Recommended PGP Encryption Tools

• Mailvelope: A browser extension that enables end-to-end encryption on top of existing email services like Gmail and Yahoo Mail.

Types of Email Encryption

• End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that emails are encrypted from the sender to the recipient, making them unreadable. Services like ProtonMail and Tutanota offer this.
• TLS (Transport Layer Security): Secures the connection between email servers. Most modern email services, including Gmail and Outlook, provide TLS by default.

Best Practices for Email Security

Use Strong, Lengthy Passwords

• Create passwords with a minimum of 16 characters that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Refer to the Password Manager Guide.
• Avoid using easily guessable passwords such as sequential letters or numbers.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Enable MFA on all email accounts to require a second verification form besides the password. This can be a code from an app like Google Authenticator or a text message. See MFA Guide.

Regularly Update Security Settings

• Ensure your email software and applications are up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Regularly review your email account settings to ensure they align with the latest security practices.

Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Links

• Always verify the sender's email address and be wary of unexpected attachments or links.
• Use email scanning tools to detect malicious attachments and links before opening them.

Use Secure Connections

• Ensure HTTPS is enabled when accessing email online.
• Use a reliable VPN service when accessing email on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Password Management

• Strongly consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. This is essential for maintaining strong security across multiple accounts. See the Password Manager Guide.

Countermeasures for Email Threats

Organizational Level

• Phishing Awareness Training: Regularly train staff to recognize and properly handle phishing attempts.
• Anti-Malware and Anti-Spam Solutions: Use comprehensive security solutions that include email scanning, such as Norton, McAfee, or Kaspersky.

Personal Level

• Security Apps: Utilize apps that help identify and block phishing and spam on personal devices.
• Educational Resources: Continuously educate yourself about email security through resources and updates. Example: Stay Safe Online’s Email Security Tips.

Additional Resources

• Google Phishing Virtual Environment Training
• Guide to Using ProtonMail for Secure Email
• FTC Consumer Advice on Email Security