In this digital age, sending sensitive information through email is a common practice. However, the question of how to secure confidential personal data continues to be a significant challenge. Without proper security measures, such information can be intercepted by unauthorized third parties, leaving individuals exposed to identity theft, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
Fortunately, there are secure options for sending personal information through email that individuals and organizations can use to protect their data. Some of these options include:
1. Encrypted Email: Encrypted email refers to an email that is protected by encryption, which transforms the body of the message into an unreadable format. Only the intended recipient with the encryption key can decrypt and read the email. Encrypted email services like ProtonMail, Tutanota and Hushmail provide end-to-end encryption, meaning that the email communication between the sender and receiver remains private.
2. Password-protected documents: Password-protected files allow the sender to encrypt their email attachments with a password. The recipient can only access the document using the password provided. For instance, documents can be encrypted and protected using Microsoft Office password protection feature or Adobe Acrobat password protection feature.
3. Secure File Sharing Services: Secure file sharing services such as Dropbox, iCloud, or Google Drive can help in ensuring the safe transfer of files through validation checks, two-factor authentication and even remote shredding in the event of a breach.
4. Send Large Files as ZIP Archives: Some email servers are unable to transmit large attachments without issue. Zipping or compressing the file into a ZIP archive can be a solution. Password Protection can also be used to encrypt the file, and only send the password privately via another means.
5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts the data sent and received through the internet, making it unreadable to hackers and other third parties. A VPN is particularly useful if one needs to send confidential information when connected to public Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
When sending sensitive data via email, it’s always important to use secure options to protect against cyber threats. Encrypted emails, password-protected files, secure file sharing services, sending large files as ZIP archives, and using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) are all effective options for securing personal information. By understanding these tools and applying them as needed, individuals and organizations can minimize the risk of losing their confidential data to cyber-criminals.
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