Sending personal information via email has become a norm in our daily lives. Whether it’s sharing a bank statement or applying for a loan, we trust emails as a secure medium of communication. However, this trust can be misplaced. Emails are not entirely secure, and sending confidential information via email can pose significant risks.
The strings attached to email communication
The internet is a public network, and emails are transmitted over it in plain text format. This means that any hacker with a modest skill set can quickly intercept and access your emails. Moreover, emails are stored on servers, and due to their nature, they are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In many instances, access to an email account can lead to a chain reaction of intrusions, resulting in significant data breaches.
Phishing emails: A problematic existential issue
Phishing is another common email-based cyber-attack. Fraudsters use this technique to trick individuals into sharing personal and confidential information via email. They do so by impersonating trustworthy sources, such as banks, government agencies, or reputable individuals. They mimic their website addresses, logos, and wordings to make the email look legitimate. Unsuspecting individuals who fall prey to this trap unknowingly share credit card details, social security numbers or login credentials, paving the way for cybercriminals to exploit them.
The importance of encryption
Encrypting emails is an effective way to secure email communications. Encryption is a process of converting plain text messages into code, which can only be read using a secret key. This prevents hackers from accessing and reading encrypted emails if they intercept them.
One way to encrypt emails is to use Transport Layer Security (TLS). TLS encrypts messages while they are in transit between email clients and servers. It also validates the identity of the server and the recipient, ensuring an additional layer of security.
The impact of GDPR on email communication
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation that exists to protect the privacy of EU citizens. The regulation has a considerable impact on email communication. It mandates that businesses obtain specific consent from individuals before collecting, processing, storing or sharing their personal data. Additionally, GDPR necessitates that businesses ensure adequate security measures to protect individuals’ data, including email communication.
Conclusion
All in all, sending personal information via email presents a considerable risk. Although email communication may seem safe, it is susceptible to cyber-attacks, phishing emails, and data breaches. As such, it is essential to take extra precautions when sending confidential information via email. Encrypting emails and obtaining explicit consent from individuals before sharing their data, are some of the measures that both individuals and businesses can take to protect themselves.
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