How to protect your email from hacking and spam: 8 effective methods

1. Use strong passwords

To prevent hacking, it is important to choose complex and unique passwords for all your accounts. Use combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols to make it harder for hackers.

A step-by-step guide on passwords is available here.

Useful password generation services:

— 1Password — a secure password manager for creating and storing complex passwords

— LastPass — a popular password manager with the ability to create strong passwords and auto-fill them.

2. Enable two-factor authentication, 2FA

Two-factor authentication strengthens the security of your email. If someone learns your password, 2FA will prevent them from logging into your account without a second factor — for example, a code from an app or an SMS message.

Useful 2FA services:

— Google Authenticator — an app for generating two-factor authentication codes

For iOS users
For Android users

— Authy — a 2FA app that supports multiple accounts.

3. Change passwords regularly

Good security practice is to change passwords every six months to a year, especially if you suspect your account may have been compromised. This reduces the risk in case of a data breach.

4. Be cautious with phishing emails

Phishing is one of the most common methods of stealing personal information, where fraudsters disguise themselves as trusted sources. To avoid phishing attacks, always check the sender's address and do not open suspicious links or attachments.

Useful anti-phishing services:

— PhishTank — a database of phishing sites that can be used to check links

— SpamAssassin — a service for filtering spam, including phishing emails.

5. Use spam filters

To deal with unwanted emails and advertisements, you can set up spam filters in your mailbox. Most popular email services, such as Gmail and Outlook, offer built-in filters that automatically classify and move suspicious emails to the spam folder.

Useful anti-spam services:

— Unroll.Me  — a service that helps you quickly unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters and organize your email

— Cleanfox — a tool for cleaning your mailbox of spam and newsletters.

6. Use antivirus and malware protection

Viruses and malware can be hidden in email attachments. To avoid infection, install antivirus software that will scan all incoming emails and attachments for threats.

A list of antivirus services is available here.

7. Use temporary email addresses

For registering on questionable websites or receiving one-time emails, you can use temporary email addresses. They will help avoid spam and reduce the risk of leaking your personal data.

Useful temporary email services:

— Temp Mail — a service for creating one-time email addresses

— Guerrilla Mail — a service for creating temporary email addresses.

8. Be careful with public Wi-Fi networks

Using public Wi-Fi networks can expose your email to additional risks. If you need to connect to such a network, use a VPN service to encrypt your traffic.

Tips for protecting your data when using public Wi-Fi are available here.

A review of secure VPN services is available here.