How To Secure Emails Smartly

Email is inherently not secure since SMTP does not encrypt messages. Messages sent through SMTP contain information about the computer that it sent from, and the email program that was used. The POP and IMAP protocols do not encrypt the username and password you used to login. The email messages you send may be saved unexpectedly and indefinitely and may be read by unknown persons as a result.

Tips to secure emails smartly
To secure your emails, take the basic precautions as explained below.
• To make an email secure use a secure email client like Bat, Thunderbird, or even Outlook Express.
• Read email in plain text and do not open an attachment especially if it is a .exe file.
• Use free webmail accounts for subscriptions and postings and when spam does start getting through dump that address and get a new one.
• Use additional multi-layered defenses like anti spyware/ adware to scan your system for Trojans that have crept through and a firewall that will prevent unauthorized applications from connecting to the Internet.

Tools to increase email security
There are many services, which are currently in use in the market to prevent email spam, spoofing, and other email security threats. The below listed services are popularly known for its effective security measures and its features.

• Google Postini Services: Filters out all messaging threats like spam and viruses before they reach the network. It also helps to stop phishing, denial of service (DoS), spam, directory harvest attacks (DHA), viruses, and other attacks.
• Sophos Security and Data Protection: Relies on remotely monitored, managed appliances, offers easy-to-use protection for groupware (including Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes) and UNIX gateway protection.
• Webroot E-Mail Security SaaS: Blocks spam efficiently. Protects against backscatter and prevents from disturbing images. Helps in neutralizing Distributed Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, and terminates Directory Harvest Attacks (DHA).
• VIPRE AntiVirus + AntiSpyware: Delivers comprehensive security against today's blended malware threats for email protection, highly complex viruses, and spyware.
• Sonic WALL Email Security: Offers protection against both inbound and outbound viruses and spyware. It also includes several templates and databases. Ability to prevent DHA (Directory Harvest Attack), DoS (Denial of Service) attacks, and provides zombie detection to check whether your computer is a part of a botnet.
• McAfee Email Security Service: Comprehensive e-mail filtering is provided and it is compatible with all e-mail platforms. Web-based interface helps you configure your policy, manage the users from an administrator’s point of view, review quarantines, and display reports.
• eCipher Pro-Easy Email Encryption: Encrypt email and attachments. Works with standalone email programs like Microsoft Outlook™, Thunderbird™, Eudora™, Gmail™, Yahoo! Plus™, AOL, Comcast, Mac and other webmail accounts.
• Outlook Email Security Update: Meant for Outlook 98 and Outlook 2000. Allow disabling many features that let viruses to spread easily. In Microsoft Exchange Server environments, administrators can customize the security settings whereas in Outlook 2002, end users can allow access to particular file attachment types that the security features normally block.

Shortlist the email security services based on your requirements. Parameterize your required features and cross verify based on your specifications.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/how-to-secure-emails-smartly-1208886.html