Security & Safety Resource Center

We’ve all been there. You open your inbox and see an email that raises your eyebrows. Maybe the sender’s address looks like a jumbled mess, the subject line screams urgency with bad grammar, or there’s an attachment you wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. These are the red flags of a suspicious email, and the worst thing you can do is reply. Replying can open a can of worms, so let’s break down why it’s risky and what you should do instead.

Why Replying is a Big No-No:

• Spam Magnet: Replying to a suspicious email is like waving a giant flag that says, “Hey, this email address is active!” This can lead to a flood of even more unwanted emails from the same sender or others lurking in the shadows.
• Data Interception: Hackers are crafty. They can use sneaky techniques embedded in replies to steal your information. Think of it like a digital pickpocket – a reply gives them a chance to snatch your data.

Your Safe Email Action Plan:

Now that you know why replying is a bad idea, here’s what to do when a suspicious email lands in your inbox:

1. Mark it as Spam: Most email programs have a handy “spam” button. Clicking this button helps your email provider learn what’s junk and keeps your inbox cleaner in the future. Think of it as training your email to be a spam-fighting ninja!
2. Block the Sender: Feeling extra cautious or annoyed? Don’t hesitate to block the sender’s address entirely. This acts like a digital bouncer, stopping future emails from that address from reaching your inbox.
3. Delete it! This is the simplest and most effective option. If something feels fishy, trust your gut and get rid of the email altogether. No need to overthink it – just hit delete and move on.

By following these tips, you can transform yourself from a potential victim into a savvy email security pro. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in protecting yourself from email scams and keeping your inbox safe.

Sick of typing passwords all the time? Windows Hello can help! It lets you sign in to your Windows PC with your face, fingerprint, or even iris scan. No more scrambling to remember complex passwords.

Plus, it’s more secure than a regular password. Hackers can guess passwords, but they can’t steal your face! Windows Hello uses special hardware to recognize you, so it’s super safe.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Open Settings on your Windows PC.
2. Click on “Accounts” and then “Sign-in options.”
3. You’ll see different options for Windows Hello. Just choose the one you like – face recognition, fingerprint, or PIN.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up. It’s really easy!

Now you can unlock your PC with just a glance or a tap! Isn’t that cool?

Ever get an email that just feels…off? Maybe it’s from a friend but the tone seems strange, or it has an urgent request out of the blue. Hold on! These could be phishing scams. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Weird = Warning Sign: Unfamiliar email addresses, strange wording, or unexpected attachments are all red flags. Don’t click links or open attachments!
• Second Guess, Then Delete: When in doubt, delete it! You can always check with the sender directly (by phone, not email) if you’re unsure.
• Contact the Source: If the email claims to be from a bank, credit card company, or other service, reach out to them directly. Don’t use phone numbers or links in the email – find their official contact information.

Phishing for Information:

Scammers use phishing emails to trick you into revealing personal information like passwords or credit card details. They might:

• Fake Familiarity: Pretend to be someone you know, like a friend or colleague.
• Urgency Creates Hurry: Pressure you to act fast, leaving no time to think clearly.
• Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: Promise amazing deals or threaten consequences to grab your attention.

Don’t trust everything you see in your inbox. If an email seems suspicious, delete it and contact the sender directly through a trusted channel. Stay safe out there.