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Secure Communications
Free Email Services
Free web-based email services provide personal email accounts that can be accessed from almost every computer or device with Internet access and from anywhere in the world.
How do you recognise it?
Many service providers offer free email accounts (e.g., Yahoo!, Hotmail, and Gmail etc.). These email services typically provide you with the ability to access your mail using just a web browser.
How does it work?
Providers of free web based email services usually make money from advertisers who pay them to expose e-mail account holders to their advertisements.
What risk does it pose?
The risks relating to free email services revolve around the issues of:
• Security - If your passwords or messages are sent in plain text (plain HTTP connection), they may easily be intercepted. If a service provider offers SSL encryption (HTTPS), you should use it.
• Privacy - You aren't paying for your email account, but the service provider has to find some way to recover the costs of providing the service. One way of generating revenue is to sell advertising space, but another is to sell or trade information. Make sure to read the service provider's privacy policy to see if your personal data has the potential of being given to some third party for monetary gain.
How can I avoid it from happening?
• If you use such services ensure you understand how your data may be recorded and used by the service provider.
• Use only reputable email service providers.
• Read the terms and conditions of the free services to ensure your data will not be passed on to third parties.
Top Tips
• Read the terms & Conditions before using the service.
• Ensure that there is a secure https:// connection when logging into the service.
