Email Hardening Guide

Email Security Guide

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This page provides a comprehensive guide to securing email communications, 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.

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 form of verification 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 that can 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.

Email Encryption

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

Types of Email Encryption

• End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that emails are encrypted from the sender to the recipient, making them unreadable to anyone else. 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.

Recommended Encryption Tools

• ProtonMail: Provides built-in end-to-end encryption and is based in Switzerland, known for strong privacy laws. [1]
• Tutanota: Offers end-to-end encryption and encrypted storage for emails. [2]
• Mailvelope: A browser extension that enables end-to-end encryption on top of existing email services like Gmail and Yahoo Mail.
• Thunderbird (Desktop & MacOS)
• CanaryMail (MacOS & iOS)
• FairMail (Android)

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