Thanks to technology, you can now send instant messages electronically. Unfortunately, doing so comes with high risks, especially if you send a confidential message. Therefore, you need web service providers that offer message encryption. However, you should note that using them doesn’t guarantee safety. You have to be vigilant because cyber criminals are overworking to find ways of accessing such confidential messages. Here is how you can enhance safety when sending an encrypted online message.
Counter Check Recipient’s Address
It’s understandable to make a mistake when typing a recipient’s address due to hurry. However, it will be best to avoid it by counter-checking the address before you hit the send button. Counter-checking is essential because sending the message containing your encrypted link means the recipient can read it even if you erred. Opening the link on a new tab and rendering the message inaccessible is possible.
Protect Your Device
Protecting your device is the first way to ensure your message is safe. This is because web services such as privnote make such platforms easy to use, even for the non-techy. It will help if you set a strong password that protects the device or use biometrics to ensure that your messaging platform isn’t accessible to anyone else. Doing so will protect your recipient from receiving malicious links or messages online criminals send.
Create Decryption Password
Alternatively, you can set a decryption password to ensure that your message isn’t accessible unless the recipient has the password. The password should be complex enough and contain a combination of words, numbers, and symbols. After typing your message and generating the link, you will set the password and share it with your intended message. Note that you must share the password with every recipient for them to access it.
Notify Your Recipient Beforehand
You should also notify yourself before sending your encrypted message to enhance security. This is because a scammer can send a message from your device pretending to be you. Making a habit of notifying your recipient will make them wary of unexpected encrypted messages. You can notify them through conventional channels and send an electronic message containing your encrypted link.
Set Self-Destruction Time
You must set a self-destruction timer to ensure the message is unreadable after the recipient reads it. There are several duration options on web service providers like privnote. After you have typed your message and generated the encrypted link, you will set the timer. The time should be short, so the message doesn’t risk falling into the wrong hands. Unless the message is a long set of instructions, in that case, you can choose a longer self-destruct time.
Conclusion
Sending confidential messages can be risky, but encrypted online message services can help protect it from cybercriminals. However, it’s important to know that using the services doesn’t guarantee security. You must play some part in enhancing security. Therefore, it will help if you use the information in this article to protect your confidential messages from falling into the wrong hands. Doing so will also go a long way in protecting your recipients.
