Sending an email is akin to sending a postcard snail mail...which generally speaking is as private as a fishbowl! You may not be aware of it but your email can be viewed by a wide variety of people...more than you think....
1. If you send (or receive) email from your place of employment be aware that some companies will actively monitor and/or randomly screen employees incoming and outgoing mail for security breaches, unbecoming conduct/contents and of course the inevitable virus. Almost all companies will 'backup' there systems taking 'snapshots' as they go....your email could very well be in there!
2. Administrators have the ability to view any and all mail if they so choose
3. If you share a computer be aware that you've probably left traces of your message behind... for others to view!
4. It's quite possible that at some point during your 'netlife' your account will cracked; usually by people you know (who have obtained, or have access to your password) but also by people you don't know. Hacking/Cracking (terminology is dependant on which side of the fence your on) is a reality and mail can be intercepted or viewed via your account.
5. Never underestimate the power of a typo. This seemingly harmless error can send your written thoughts to just about anyone, anywhere in the world.

When you consider the above it makes good sense to put in place a few common practices to help prevent breaches of privacy and problems occurring. Here are a few simple ones to get you started that require little or no technical knowledge to implement

1. Don't write anything that you wouldn't want the rest of the world to know about
2. Don't let anyone stand over you when your entering in your Password
3. NEVER send credit card/bank details, passwords or personal details via email
4. Empty out your 'sent items' and 'deleted items' folders along with your Temp folders regularly or after every session if you're on a shared computer. See [Cleanup] for more information on removing files/tracks.
5. Change your passwords often and choose them carefully. See [Password Security] for information on selecting a secure password
6. Double check the recipients email address, especially if it is the first time you've used it and where possible store them in your address book. This will save you having to key in the address all the time and will help alleviate some of the typos
7. If you think it can't/won't happen to you read up on Murphy's Law!
As I've said before....Whatever your feelings about email it's here to stay so go out and arm yourself with the knowledge, know-how and savvy that'll allow you to harness it's powers to suit your own needs...an save you a bit of grief in the long run :)

{no-combomax}

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