E-mail Security

Email is a great tool for communicating with others. However, email also has some potential pitfalls that you need to be able to recognize and avoid. On this page you will find information about common email security issues and suggestions on how to protect yourself from them.

Viruses

Many viruses are spread through email attachments. Always be cautious about attachments, even if you know who sent them. Your correspondent's computer could be infected by a virus that sends out virus-laden emails without his or her knowledge. What you can do to avoid viruses:

• Don't open attachments unless you are sure about their contents.
• Keep your antivirus software up-to-date. Your workstation's antivirus program is just one of many layers of protection you have against computer viruses
• Use the Barracuda Spam Filter. The Barracuda Spam Filter automatically deletes known viruses before they reach your inbox. Find out more about Barracuda at EIU's Barracuda web site.
• Use your web space for attachments.

Scams/Hoaxes/Phishing

The danger posed by scam and hoax emails can vary. Some hoax emails involve claims that companies or celebrities will give you money or that you will help cure someone of a disease if you forward a chain letter to your friends. Although the hoax chain letter itself is relatively benign, on a large scale the emails can slow down entire networks.

One of the most harmful types of scam emails are called Phishing messages. Phishing messages claim that your account for a financial service (such as PayPal, eBay, banks, and credit cards) has been compromised or disconnected and you need to confirm your personal information. These email messages contain links to fake web sites designed to collect information about you to steal your identity or access your real accounts for fraudulent activities. If you receive an email that warns you about your accounts, do not click on any links provided in the email. This type of scam is becoming increasingly common, and the emails can appear to be legitimate.

What you can do to avoid phishing attempts and other scam emails:

• Use the Barracuda Spam Filter to filter phishing attempts. All mail is automatically screened by Barracuda for known phishing attempts. However, you can help increase Barracuda's reliability by learning how to use it properly. Find out more about Barracuda at EIU's Barracuda web site.
• Contact your financial service. If you aren't sure about the legitimacy of an email from your financial service, try contacting its customer support or help. Remember to navigate to the financial service's homepage by typing the URL into your browser or using your bookmark--don't use any links to the financial service from the email in question because they might direct you to a counterfeit homepage.
• Be Vigilant. Visit the EIU Security homepage to learn more about scams such as phishing.

Spam

• Use the Barracuda Spam Filter to filter spam. You can configure Barracuda to quarantine or automatically delete your spam messages. You can help increase Barracuda's reliability by learning how to use it properly. Find out more about Barracuda at EIU's Barracuda web site.
• Read Tips on Avoiding Spam. This web page offers tips on how to reduce or avoid spam.