Email servers have the goods on you. And so can a lot of other people.
Ever stop and think what information you are broadcasting when you send an email? You just might be surprised to learn that the contents of your email is not the only info you are sending to whomever. And almost anybody can see that info if not properly protected.
When your email passes through an email server, the server can (and oftentimes does) collect a variety of information from you, including:
* your email address
* your computer’s IP address
* the date & time you sent/received email
* the email program you are using
* the route your email took to get to the server in question
* the very contents of your email
* and more.
Let’s take a look at some basic email processes:
Webmail: If the connection to your Webmail server is “insecure” in that the address begins with “http” and not “https”
then all the information from you, including username and password is not encryped when it passes between the webmail server and your computer.
SMTP: This method does not encrypt email messages. SMTP does not generally encrypt messages unless the email server uses TLS encryption, which is rare. Also, SMTP servers send your messages in plain text for anyone to read and usually includes information about which computer the message came from and what email program you are using. This info is available to anyone receiving your email and to prying eyes.
POP and IMAP: The POP and IMAP email procedures require you to send your username and password to the log in point and this information is not encrypted. Again, any prying eyes can see this info.
Source: The Case For Email Security
If you’re using emails that do not encrypt your message, then we suggest you invest in a product called “Firewall Fortify“.
Here’s why a modest investment in Firewall Fortify will pay big returns in guarding your Internet privacy and security:
* Foil Phishing Websites – Prevent your private financial information from being stolen by phishing websites, posing as legitimate websites.
* Real-time Alerts – Firewall Fortify constantly monitors your Internet connection in real-time and alerts you if any of your private information is being sent to a person, website, or IP address in a non-secure channel. You may allow or block this information from being sent out.
* Runs On Startup – If enabled, Firewall Fortify will start each time when Windows starts, instantly monitoring and protecting your Internet connection.
* Password Protection – Set a password to Firewall Fortify so that only you may change it’s settings or view the Private Words and Phrases list.
* Unlimited Private Words and Phrases – Firewall Fortify can monitor an unlimited number of items in your Private Words and Phrases list. Protect your bank accounts, E-mails, passwords, and other sensitive data from being sent out on the Internet without you knowing.
