What documents should not be emailed?
Asked by: Halie Jerde | Last update: February 26, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (41 votes)
- Social Security numbers.
- Driver's License numbers.
- Passport numbers.
- State-issue ID numbers.
- Any bank/financial account numbers.
- Credit/debit card numbers.
- Protected health information.
- Documents protected by attorney-client privilege.
What information should never be emailed?
Information like passwords or login credentials, passport numbers, driver's license numbers, credit or debit card pins, and other personal data shouldn't be sent over emails or text.
Which file Cannot be sent by email?
The file types to commonly avoid when sending attachments by email are executable files (.exe, . scr, . bat, and so on). These types of files can contain malicious code, which can be used to embed viruses into your computer or the recipient's computer.
Is it safe to send documents by email?
If you send confidential documents by email without encrypting them first, they could be: Read by someone who accesses your email account (for example, through phishing) Sent accidentally to the wrong people. Forwarded to anyone without your knowledge.
What is the most secure way of sending documents?
1 – Use End-to-end encryption(E2EE) to Send Documents Securely. E2EE a method of secure communication that hinders third parties from accessing data being sent from one device to another. Encryption provides a higher level of security compared to password protection.
STOP using GMAIL (or make 5 security changes)
Is it safe to send a birth certificate through email?
Is it safe to send a birth certificate through email? Your birth certificate is the most important document for proving your identity. If this falls into the wrong hands, you can become a victim of identity fraud. Consider safer methods such as a file-sharing service or in-person delivery of your secure document.
How to send personal documents securely via email?
- Compose an email.
- Click File.
- Click Properties.
- Click Security Settings.
- Click “Encrypt message contents and attachments.”
- Click Send.
Is it safe to send a driver's license over email?
Overall, I'd have to recommend NOT doing so, but it heavily depends on the reasoning behind their request for such information. As far as the actual document being “safe” from being intercepted by someone else, like a hacker, it's really no different than any other email.
What is the safest email attachment?
The plain text file format . txt is considered relatively safe. Even if this type of file contains malicious code, it can't be executed. However, criminals can use a double extension to trick users into clicking on a file, such as “attachment.
Is it safe to email a PDF?
Is sending a PDF via email secure? On its own, email is a fast and reliable way to deliver digital documents, but it only has average levels of security. Once sent, anyone with access to the recipient's email account could download and view your documents.
What Cannot be sent as an email attachment?
zip or . tgz files) Documents with malicious macros. Password-protected archives with archived content.
What is the only safe file type for an email?
txt files are considered some of the safer documents you can send and receive through email. That's because they save text and fonts in a very simple format, making it hard to attach viruses. Your computer's antivirus software will often identify malware in these simple files and alert you before downloading them.
What is the best format to send a document by email?
Common file formats that are best for email attachments include: Photo : JPEG or JPG, GIF, PNG. Document: PDF, DOC or DOCX, HTML or HTM, XLS or XLSX, TXT.
What are three types of information that you should avoid sending through email?
- Social Security numbers.
- Driver's License numbers.
- Passport numbers.
- State-issue ID numbers.
- Any bank/financial account numbers.
- Credit/debit card numbers.
- Protected health information.
- Documents protected by attorney-client privilege.
What are 3 important rules when sending emails?
- Use a clear, professional subject line. ...
- Proofread every email you send. ...
- Write your email before entering the recipient email address. ...
- Double check you have the correct recipient. ...
- Ensure you CC all relevant recipients. ...
- You don't always have to "reply all" ...
- Reply to your emails.
What's the worst thing someone can do with your email?
If someone gathers enough information about you, your identity can be stolen with only your email address. Since many people's email addresses contain names or birthdates, cybercriminals who have an email address with personal information in it can use that to gather other data about their target online.
Which email is least likely to be hacked?
Proton Mail ranks as one of the most secure free email providers, combining end-to-end encryption with the stringent privacy laws of its Swiss headquarters, safeguarding users from both American and European hackers.
What are harmful email attachments?
- Phishing. Phishing is a human-to-human con job conducted by email. ...
- Ransomware. ...
- Exe files. ...
- Compressed files. ...
- Microsoft Office documents. ...
- ISO files. ...
- Use antivirus software. ...
- Back up your system regularly.
What is the most secure way to send email?
Two of the most popular free email encryption tools are FlowCrypt and Infoencrypt. Although email platforms like ProtonMail and Outlook offer free in-house encryption. This type of encryption means you don't have to go through a third party to get the same or better encryption services.
Is it safe to send a picture of your ID through email?
Never send anyone a picture of your ID. Hackers and cybercriminals can access cloud photo databases to steal your ID. If your phone is stolen or hacked, your ID will be exposed. If you have any photos of your ID stored on your computer, mobile device, in text messages, etc. - you should delete them immediately.
Is it safe to send a birth certificate through mail?
The most secure way to send legal documents by mail is with USPS Registered Mail because of its thorough tracking, comprehensive chain-of-custody, and lock-and-key security at every part of the journey.
Is it safe to send an insurance card by text?
It's Illegal! The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) says that you cannot communi- cate any PHI (Protected Health Information) via any means or medium that is not encrypted. Standard email/texting is not encrypted.
What is the safest way to send documents electronically?
Encrypt A File
Encryption is the best method for securely sharing files. This means the file becomes unreadable until it's decrypted. Only those with the encryption key can access it. Therefore, File encryption is a great way to ensure that your data is safe, even if it falls into the wrong hands.
How do I encrypt a document before emailing?
- Open the file in an appropriate Microsoft Office application.
- Select “File.”
- Select “Save As.”
- Change the file type to “PDF.”
- Select “More options…”
- Select “Options…”
- Select “Encrypt the document with a password.”
- Enter your password and confirm it.
How to securely send SSN over email?
Here are some security tips to keep in mind when sending social security numbers through email (or other sensitive data): The best practice is always to send SSN with encryption software or file encryption software - both services that Sealit software provides.