10 smart email safety tips to protect your inbox from scams

Your inbox is like a digital front door. It holds everything from digital shopping receipts and bank details to private messages with friends, family, and work. Unfortunately, that makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. From sneaky phishing links to stolen passwords, one careless click can put your personal information, and even your money, at risk. 

We’ve rounded up 10 easy-to-follow email safety tips to help you stay secure. Whether you’re checking mail on your phone or just clearing your weekly newsletter pile-up, these practical steps will help keep your data locked down and your mind at ease. 

• Strong passwords are essential: Strong logins and unique passwords for every account, together with two-factor authentication, can block most automated attacks. 

• Stay alert to scams: Check sender details, hover over links before clicking, and report suspicious emails to help stop phishing. 

• Update your devices: Regularly update your devices and email apps, and use trusted antivirus software to prevent malware. 

• Protect your connection: Avoid public WiFi for sensitive emails, use spam filters and encryption, and review your privacy settings to stay in control. 

Staying safe online starts with protecting your inbox. These 11 email safety tips will help you spot scams, secure your accounts, and keep your personal information out of the wrong hands.

1. Use strong, unique passwords for every account

Think of your email password as the key to your entire digital life; if someone gets in, they can reset logins for everything from online shopping to social media. Protect it with a password that’s at least 12 characters long and mixes letters, numbers, and symbols so it’s hard to crack.  

Never recycle passwords across different sites; a single breach could open multiple doors to hackers. To keep things manageable, consider a password manager such as LastPass. These tools can generate complex, one-of-a-kind passwords for you and store them securely. 

Want to learn how to build stronger passwords? Check out our best 9 password security tips for step-by-step advice on keeping your logins safe.

2. Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a crucial second lock to your email account by requiring a one-time code from an app or hardware key, even if someone steals your password. Use authenticator apps like Google Authenticator rather than SMS for stronger protection. Microsoft reports this simple step blocks 99.9% of automated attacks. 

3. Don't open emails from strangers

Phishing is the most common email scam, where messages pretend to be from trusted brands to trick you into sharing personal details. Look out for urgent language, spelling mistakes, unusual attachments, or unexpected requests for passwords or sensitive information. Always hover over links to see the real URL before clicking. If something feels off, it probably is. 

4. Keep your devices and email apps up to date

Hackers often exploit old software bugs to break in, so regular updates are essential. Email apps regularly release updates that patch security vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. By keeping your devices current, you reduce the risk of malware, ransomware, and other threats. Enable automatic updates when possible so you never miss a critical patch.

5. Use antivirus software

A reliable antivirus software is your first line of defence against viruses and malware. Make sure it’s always up-to-date, and scan any email attachments before downloading, even if they come from someone you know, to keep your devices safe and worry-free.

6. Avoid public WiFi for sensitive emails

Open WiFi networks can be convenient, but they come with serious risks. It is easier for attackers to intercept your data in so-called “man-in-the-middle” attacks, potentially capturing passwords, messages, or financial information without you knowing. If you need to check email on the go, stick to mobile data or use a reputable VPN to encrypt your connection and keep your messages private. 

7. Check your email privacy settings

Give your inbox a privacy tune-up by turning off automatic image loading, which blocks hidden tracking pixels that reveal when you’ve opened a message. While you’re there, review and limit any third-party apps with access to your email to keep your data firmly under your control. 

8. Use spam filtering

Let your email’s built-in spam filter do the heavy lifting by catching scams and junk before they hit your inbox. Report suspicious messages to train the filter, and set up custom rules to keep newsletters or promotions separate from important personal mail. 

9. Encrypt your email

Never send bank details, ID numbers, or other private information in plain text. It’s too easy for attackers to intercept. If you must share sensitive data, use password-protected attachments or an encrypted email service, so only the intended recipient can read it. 

10. Don't send personal information by email

Never share sensitive details like passwords, bank account numbers, or personal IDs in an email. Legitimate companies, such as your bank, PayPal, or broadband provider, will never ask for this information over email. If you receive a message requesting personal data, it’s a scam. Mark it as spam and delete it immediately.

Protecting your email is easier when your broadband comes with built-in safety. Every Virgin Media package includes Essential Security at no extra cost. This means it’s always switched on and protects any devices connected to your home network, blocking phishing attempts, viruses, and other malicious content.  

Choose from superfast and ultrafast broadband deals, from 130Mbps up to 1Gbps and beyond. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home, you’ll get the speed and protection you need 

Not sure what's available in your area? Check out all of our broadband deals and enter your postcode to find the perfect package for your home.