Why Email Security Matters
Email remains the primary attack vector for cybercriminals. Over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. Your inbox is a gateway to your digital identity.
Critical Risk
Compromised email = compromised everything. Password resets, 2FA codes, and sensitive communications all flow through email.
Secure Email Providers
| Provider | Encryption | Free Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonMail | E2E (PGP) | Yes | General privacy |
| Tutanota | E2E (AES) | Yes | European users |
| Mailfence | E2E (OpenPGP) | Limited | Business users |
| Fastmail | At-rest | No | Power users |
Essential Security Practices
- Enable 2FA on your email account (preferably with hardware key)
- Use unique password - never reuse your email password
- Check sender addresses carefully before clicking links
- Hover over links to see actual destination
- Never open unexpected attachments
- Use email aliases for different services
Spotting Phishing Emails
Red flags to watch for:
- Urgent or threatening language
- Generic greetings ("Dear Customer")
- Misspellings and grammar errors
- Suspicious sender domains (paypa1.com vs paypal.com)
- Requests for personal information
- Unexpected attachments
Email Encryption
PGP/GPG Encryption
For sensitive communications, consider PGP encryption. It ensures only the recipient can read your messages, even if intercepted.