(Chelsea Update would like to thank Dennis Katakowski for the information in this story.)
By Dennis M. Katakowski, network administrator and Chelsea State Bank officer
Benjamin Franklin, America’s first postmaster general, revolutionized the delivery of mail in America by establishing one-day service and home delivery. If Franklin lived today, one can only wonder what he would think of email, or how his ideas may have influenced its use.
In fact, we are seeing that greater use of email is having a direct effect on the usage of the postal system that he created. Looking at current trends, the next five years will continue to bring more changes with respect to traditional mail delivery versus email use.
However, when sending email, whether at home or work, it is important to understand that it is not like traditional mail sent in a sealed envelope. You will want to use an alternative delivery method or encryption software whenever you have confidential information you want to send.
Here are some examples of information that you should only send in a secure email or by using other secure alternatives:
- Social Security and Tax Identification Numbers
- Electronic Identification Numbers
- Bank Account Numbers
- Driver’s License Number
- IDs and Passwords for your personal or work computers
- Transaction or Balance Amounts
- Any critical information about you that can identify you personally: for example, medical or legal information
If you need to send confidential information of this nature, consider one of these more secure options: traditional mail, a phone call, fax, meet in person, use software to encrypt your email or encrypt a file that can be attached to an email, or use one of the numerous digital lockbox services (to securely upload a file to a password protected lockbox service and have the recipient securely download it).
These examples allow you to send information to friends, relatives, customers, and co-workers without concern for exposing your message to the outside world.
Remember, unsecure email is like sending a postcard in the traditional mail with a picture on one side and message on the other side; anyone could possibly see it and read it.
Even if it might be private or personal in nature, it can be read as it makes its way from your email server across the vastness of the Internet. In all probability, you could unknowingly be sharing information with a wider audience than you realize.
Understanding the risk is a critical element of security.
Protect yourself and your private information in this connected online world. Know all of the risks and make good judgments online. If you are uncertain, make sure to reach out to a technology expert. It will go a long way in minimizing problems and maintaining your privacy.
Please be safe in this increasingly connected online world.
About Chelsea State Bank
Chelsea State Bank is a full-service financial institution with offices in Chelsea and Dexter. The bank was formed more than 100 years ago by local farmers and business leaders to provide timely financial solutions to individuals, families and businesses in the community. This tradition of community service continues today. For more information, please visit www.csbonline.com or call the bank at 475-1355.
