Microsoft Outlook (previously known as Hotmail) is one of the most widely used email applications in the world. Yet the reason an account is so vital is that it allows you to sign in and sync your data if you have a Windows PC.
Yet, because so much vital information is transmitted and received by email, it’s critical to protect your account from hackers, who can easily steal your login credentials via phishing links and malicious adverts.
In this post, we’ll go through the five best ways to secure your Microsoft Outlook account so that your personal information is safe from the current scams.
How can I safeguard important information in my Microsoft Outlook account? Investigating 5 Data Security Tips
1) Create a secure password.
To begin, create a strong password for your Microsoft Outlook account. It should be at least 10-12 characters, including letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numerals, and symbols, but no personal information or common words.
A strong password is the first line of defense against a hacker attempting to steal your data, and changing it on a regular basis will make your account more safe than before. To keep the password new and unpredictable, tick the “Make me change my password every 72 days” box.
2) Turn on two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a critical security feature that adds an additional layer of security to your Microsoft Outlook account. Even if someone cracks the login credentials, they will be unable to access the profile due to this step.
To log in with 2FA, you normally need a token from the Google Authenticator app or a text message sent to your registered mobile phone. With this security feature activated, your Microsoft Outlook account will get an extra layer of protection, saving you even if your password is stolen or leaked.
3) Provide a backup email address and phone number.
Another important security practice is to add additional security details to your Microsoft Outlook account to make recovery easier if it is hacked. Provide an alternate email address and phone number so that you can quickly regain access if you ever lose it.
Make sure the information you supply, such as phone numbers and other email addresses, is up to date, since this can help keep your account secure.
4) Examine recent activity
You can check when and where your account was accessed, including successful sign-ins, on the Recent Activity page. If you receive an email informing you of odd activity, this is the sole way to establish whether the action was carried out by you or someone else.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, click on the problem to report it to Microsoft and have it resolved as quickly as possible.
5) Avoid URLs that appear suspicious.
Phishing links are frequently used by hackers in the form of email attachments or by masquerading as reputable websites. If you’re not careful, this might potentially steal all of your info in a single minute.
When clicking on links or downloading attachments, be cautious because they may include malware, especially if they come from an unknown sender or appear suspicious. Microsoft will never ask for your password, so don’t respond to any strange emails requesting personal information, even if they appear to be from the corporation.
When you receive suspicious links or attachments, check the URL and, if the link does not appear real, avoid clicking on it. To be safe, you can also run it via a phishing URL detector.
Finally, protecting your sensitive information requires you to secure your Microsoft Outlook account. The aforementioned techniques will assist you in lowering the possibility of your profile being compromised. Remember to enable 2FA authentication, use a strong password, and exercise caution when clicking on links and attachments.
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