The Importance of Email Security and How to Protect Yourself from Scams

In today’s digital age, email is an essential tool for communication, especially in the business world. But as convenient as it is, email is also a prime target for scammers and cybercriminals with malicious intent to steal sensitive information. This makes email security extremely important. Unfortunately, malicious cyber activity is at an all-time high as cybercriminals are becoming more creative and continue to go to greater lengths to deceive. They are not only preying on individuals in their personal lives, but businesses and business owners as well.

At adding technology, we take security very seriously and want to ensure that you and your business stay safe from potential threats. With our advanced security protocols, including two-factor authentication (2FA), leading cybersecurity platforms, advanced encryption and constant system monitoring, you can feel confident that your sensitive information is safe with us. We are committed to ensuring you have peace of mind when working with us.

In this blog post we will highlight why it is crucial to be vigilant with your email security and ways to protect yourself from common scams.

Why Email Security Matters

Cybercriminals and scammers often use emails to:

  • Steal login credentials and financial information
  • Spread malicious software (malware) that can damage or take control of your computer systems
  • Trick you into transferring money or sharing confidential data with them

Even a single breach can result in identity theft, financial loss, or a serious compromise of your company’s operations. As construction contractors, you work with valuable data like contracts, payment information, and client information, which can be highly desirable to attackers. Keeping this data secure is essential to the success of your business.

Common Email Scams to Watch Out For

1. Phishing Attacks:
Phishing emails are designed to look like legitimate messages from trusted sources. These emails may ask you to provide personal information, click on a link, or download an attachment. Phishing emails often appear as though they are from your bank, a known vendor, or even government agencies.

2. Spoofed Emails:
In these scams, attackers send emails that appear to come from someone you know or trust. They may even use the name and addresses of people in your contact list. However, a closer look often reveals slight misspellings or variations in the email address.

If you feel something is off, trust your gut and ensure to take a second look at the email address or any misspellings within the message.

3. Fake Invoices and Requests for Payment:
In these scams, attackers send fake invoices while posing as vendors or suppliers, hoping to trick you into paying them. These emails may look authentic, but the payment details are changed to send the money directly to the scammer. In many cases, the person being scammed is not able to recoup their money.

4. Business Email Compromise (BEC):
BEC scams are highly targeted attacks where cybercriminals impersonate senior employees (like a CEO or manager) and request sensitive information from other employees. These emails can be very convincing and often lead to significant financial losses.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Email Scams

1. Don’t Click on Links from Unfamiliar Senders:
If you don’t recognize the email address or if something about the message seems off, avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments. Scammers can use these to install malware on your device or direct you to fake websites that steal your personal information.

2. Double-Check the Sender’s Email Address:
Always verify the sender’s email address, even if the message appears to come from someone you know. Scammers often create email addresses that look almost identical to legitimate ones, with minor changes that can be easily overlooked. DO NOT TRUST the email address or name that appears in your inbox. If you hover over the email address or name that is displayed in your inbox, the sender’s actual email address will be displayed.

3. Be Wary of Urgent Requests:
Scammers often use scare tactics, like creating a sense of urgency (“Your account will be locked!” or “Payment overdue!”) to make you act quickly without thinking. Take a moment to verify the request by contacting the sender through a known, trusted method before taking any action.

4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Using the same password across multiple accounts puts you at higher risk if one account is compromised. Create strong, unique passwords for each of your email accounts, and enable 2FA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.

5. Keep Your Software Updated:
Ensure that your email platform, antivirus software, and operating system are regularly updated. These updates often include security patches that protect you from the latest threats.

6. Report Suspicious Emails:
If you receive a suspicious email, report it to your IT department or email provider. By doing so, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

By staying vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your personal and business information from scammers. Our goal is to equip our clients with essential cybersecurity information to help you stay prepared and ensure your business remains protected in today’s digital world.

Stay safe and secure!

– the addtech crew

ready to run your business with the same confidence you have on the job site?

at adding technology, we know you want to focus on what you do best as a contractor. in order to do that, you need a proactive back office crew who has financial expertise in your industry.

the problem is that managing and understanding key financial compliance details for your business is a distraction when you want to spend your time focused on building your business (and our collective future).
we provide foundation and structure in finance and technology for the small building contractor so that they can focus on family, community, and building for our future.

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Ready to run your business with the same
confidence you have on the job site?

At adding technology, we know you want to focus on what you do best as a contractor. In order to do that, you need a proactive back office crew who has financial expertise in your industry. The problem is that managing and understanding key financial compliance details for your business is a distraction when you want to spend your time focused on building your business (and our collective future). We understand that there is an art to what contractors do, and financial worries can disrupt the creative process and quality of work. We know that many contractors struggle with messy books, lack of realtime financial visibility, and the stress of compliance issues. These challenges can lead to frustration, overwhelm, and fear that distracts from their core business. That's where we come in. We're not just accountants; we're part of your crew. We renovate your books, implement cutting-edge technology, and provide you with the real-time job costing and financial insights you need to make informed decisions. Our services are designed to give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what you do best - creating and building.

Here’s how we do it:

  1. Schedule a conversation. Let’s break ground on your financial renovation.
  2. We work through an assessment together that leads to a plan based on your specific needs. Then, we execute, and you have the opportunity to evaluate us on progress from day 1.
  3. Enjoy the freedom to build our future!

Schedule a conversation today, and in the meantime, download the Contractor’s Blueprint for Financial Success: A Step by-Step Guide to Maximizing Profits in Construction.” So you can stop worrying about accounting, technology, and compliance details and be free to hammer out success in the field.