Exploring Email
Digital Literacy:
Digital Literacy
“Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.”
-- American Library Association
Purpose
The purpose of this class is to learn how to use and secure email accounts
Agenda
Email Overview
Email & Password Security
2 Factor Authentication
Aliases and other Tips
Email is electronic mail
To send or receive email, you need an email account
Along with text, email can have attachments:
Email Addresses
myemail123@gmail.com
Email addresses are unique to each person or account
There are no spaces in an email address
Addresses must be typed in correctly or they will “bounce”. If this happens, the sender will get an error message in their inbox
Email passwords are VERY important
Create a secure password for your email account; write it down, and keep it safe
username
at
provider
Email Definitions
Email Etiquette
Always ~
Be Careful about ~
Passwords
Be careful with your email passwords!
Resetting an email password can be very difficult if you don’t take precautions.
Before you get locked out, you can…
Link your cell phone number with your email account
Set up another email address (alias) to receive a link or 2FA code
Practice your password
Use it or lose it!
Password Management
Write down your most important passwords and keep them safe!
Keep them with other important records
Remember to include info about your passwords in estate planning
Convenience vs. Security
Two Factor Authentication - 2FA
2FA creates a one-time code that you will be asked to provide when signing in to your account
The code is generated when needed and is usually sent through email or text message, but there are apps and devices that work as well
The codes are only used once so you should not save it
Methods for code delivery
Most Secure
Least Secure
Authenticator Apps
Cell phone apps that create a code when needed
Protect your accounts
These can help in resetting passwords
These don’t require a cellular signal or WiFi
Aliases
Aliases are separate email addresses used for different purposes
You can have as many addresses as you can manage
You may have aliases for banking, medical, shopping, junk, gaming, job searching, family, social media, etc
To prevent getting locked out, use one alias as a master address to secure the others
Outlook and Proton Mail have alias functions built in
Safety Tips
Beware of phishing scams!
Phishing uses bait to entice people into responding in some way and giving away their personal information or money