In today’s digital world, our email addresses are like our online identities. We use them to login to our social media accounts, online banking, and just about every other website we visit. So, it’s no surprise that they are often targetted by hackers and cyber criminals.
One of the latest trends in cybercrime is buying and selling stolen email addresses on the dark web. If your email address falls into the wrong hands, it can be used to steal your identity, hack into your accounts, and wreak all sorts of havoc in your life. So, how can you protect your email address from being found on the dark web? Here are a few tips:
Use a Secure Password
One of the best ways to protect your email address is to use a strong, secure password. That means using a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name or birthdate. And don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts. If you need help generating a strong password, there are plenty of great password generators out there like LastPass or Dashlane.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Another great way to protect your email account is to enable two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA). This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your mobile phone in addition to your password when logging into your account. That way, even if someone manages to get hold of your password, they won’t be able to access your account without also having access to your phone. Most major email providers offer 2FA these days, so be sure to enable it if it’s an option.
Keep Your Software Up-to-Date
One final tip for keeping your email address safe is to make sure you keep all your software up-to-date. That includes not only your email client but also any browsers or plugins you might be using.
Hackers are always finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so it’s important to stay ahead of the curve by keeping everything up-to-date. You can usually set most software programs to update automatically, so you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself. Just be sure to periodically check that those updates are actually happening when they’re supposed to.
Conclusion:
Email addresses are like digital currency these days; they’re worth a lot on the black market. So, it’s no surprise that hackers and cyber criminals are always looking for new ways to get their hands on them. One of the latest trends is buying and selling stolen email addresses on the dark web.
If yours ends up in the wrong hands, it could be used to steal your identity or hack into your accounts. To protect yourself, use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and keep all your software up-to-date. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your email address safe from being found on the dark web.
