12.01.24

Don’t mix business and pleasure – keep your work email secure

Your work email is a valuable asset for both you and your company. It’s crucial to use it responsibly to maintain security and productivity.

Why You Should Avoid Personal Use:

  • Increased Risk of Malware: Clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments in work emails can expose your company’s network to malware attacks.
  • Data Breaches: Personal information shared through work email can be compromised, leading to identity theft and other security risks.
  • Productivity Loss: Personal emails can distract you from work tasks, reducing your productivity.
  • Company Policy Violations: Many companies have strict policies regarding personal use of work email, and violating these policies can lead to disciplinary action.

Best Practices for Work Email:

  • Professional Communication: Use your work email for professional purposes only.
  • Strong Password Security: Create a strong, unique password for your work email account.
  • Be Wary of Phishing Attacks: Be cautious of suspicious emails, even if they appear to be from a legitimate source.
  • Regularly Update Software: Keep your computer and email client up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any unusual activity in your work email account, report it to your IT department immediately.

By following these guidelines, you can help protect your company’s network and your own reputation. Remember, your work email is a valuable tool, and it’s important to use it responsibly.

Remember, when a hacker gets access to one device, they can potentially infect all the other devices on that network. So if you accidentally click on a bad link in an email during work, you could be putting your entire company at risk. To reduce the likelihood of hackers breaching your company’s network, never use work email to send personal messages or subscribe to mailing lists.