Index:

What Industry Leaders Say about the Risk

Best Practices for Email Security

Balancing Convenience and Security

In today’s digital world, password managers have become an essential tool for securing online accounts. They generate, store, and autofill complex passwords, making it easier for users to maintain strong security without the burden of remembering multiple passwords. However, while password managers are excellent for most logins, there’s one account you should think twice about storing: your primary email.

At Nomerel, we strongly advise our clients to treat their email passwords differently. Your email account serves as the central hub for password resets and account recoveries, making it the single most critical point of access to your digital life. If your password manager were ever compromised and your email login were stored there, an attacker could potentially reset the passwords for all your other accounts, leading to a catastrophic security .

What Industry Leaders Say about the Risk

Bitwarden, one of the leading password managers, acknowledges the potential risks of storing your email password within a password manager.  If your password manager is breached, an attacker could access your email and use it to reset credentials for other linked accounts. Some password managers are rolling out a security update requiring users to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) before adding or modifying certain credentials. This is a crucial change aimed at preventing unauthorized access, but users should ensure they have MFA set up in advance to avoid being locked out of their accounts unexpectedly.

Nomerel promotes a layered approach to security, emphasizing the importance of securing your password manager with a robust master password and multi-factor authentication (MFA). While password manager leaders don’t outright say you shouldn’t store your email password, they do highlight the risks involved and encourage users to make an informed decision based on their personal security needs.  You can read the full article here.

Best Practices for Email Security

Rather than relying solely on your password manager, consider these best practices to keep your email account secure:

1. Memorize Your Email Password
   • • Your email account is too important to leave vulnerable. Use a strong, memorable passphrase that you don’t store in your password manager.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   • • Utilizing MFA adds a second layer of defense beyond your password. Even if someone gains access to your credentials, they will still need an additional verification factor, such as a mobile authentication app, or biometrics to log in.  Though it may seem like an extra unnecessary step, turning on MFA is one of the most valuable things you could do to protect your online email accounts.
3. Use a Separate Recovery Email or Phone Number
   • • Ensure your recovery options are secure and not tied to easily compromised accounts. Consider using an alternative email address that isn’t linked to your primary accounts to ensure you can still access your email account if you get locked out.
4. Regularly Update Your Email Password
   • • Changing your password periodically reduces the risk of long-term exposure in case of a breach.  Though this may seem cumbersome, it is better to update your password regularly than leave it exposed to potential threats.
5. Beware of Phishing Attempts
   • • Cybercriminals often attempt to trick users into revealing their passwords through fraudulent emails and fake login pages. Always verify links before clicking and enable phishing protection where possible.

Balancing Convenience and Security

While password managers provide an invaluable security service, they are not foolproof. Cyber threats evolve, and attackers continuously look for ways to exploit vulnerabilities. The key takeaway is to strike the right balance between convenience and security.

At Nomerel, we help businesses implement robust cybersecurity measures tailored to their needs. From secure password management strategies to advanced threat protection, we ensure that your organization stays ahead of potential threats.

If you are a business in Tulsa, Oklahoma or the surrounding region looking to enhance your company’s security posture, contact Nomerel today. We’ll help you build a strong foundation that keeps your most critical accounts protected from cyber threats.