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Safety vs. convenience
Configure your email software to prompt for your password instead of saving the password.
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Don't accept attachments from strangers.
If you receive an email from a stranger, tread carefully. If you receive an email from a stranger with an attachment, it's probably best to delete it.
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Show discernment when opening attachments from people you know
If you receive an email from a colleague or friend with an attachment, first consider whether you were expecting an attachment. To be safe, email the person to ask if they sent you an attachment.
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Check links before you click them.
Be very careful about clicking on links in an email, especially emails from unknown people -- even if they appear to be from companies you deal with -- with a message about account security. Some email software will display the complete link if you move your mouse over the link. Either a small window will pop up displaying the web address or the address will display at the bottom of the window. If that address is not the same as the link or doesn't match the company the email is from supposedly, don't click on it.
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Understand "phishing."
Familiarize yourself with Phishing. Knowing about it will save you some headaches. (StaySafeOnline article: 5 Ways to Spot a Phishing Email.)
- Clear messages which contain sensitive information from your account as much as possible.
Articles and sources are referenced for the reader's convenience. Inclusion on this page does not indicate OTS support for any products mentioned or advertised.