In today’s world, email has become an essential part of our lives, both personal and professional. While free email services like Yahoo, Gmail, SBCGlobal, AOL, Hotmail, and others may seem convenient and cost-effective for business purposes, they are not the best option. These email services lack the necessary security and encryption protocols, which can pose a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of business information. In this article, we’ll look at some of the reasons why you should avoid using free email services for business purposes.
- Lack of security and encryption
Free email services often lack the security and encryption protocols necessary to protect business data. Emails sent using these services are typically transmitted in plain text, making it easy for hackers to intercept and read the messages. This can lead to sensitive business information being exposed, including client data, financial records, and confidential communication with employees. Using a free email service for business purposes can leave your organization vulnerable to cyber attacks, data breaches, and other security threats.
- Limited control and customization
When you use a free email service for business purposes, you are limited in terms of control and customization. These services typically offer a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not be suitable for your business needs. For example, you may need to create custom email addresses for different departments or employees, which may not be possible with a free email service. Additionally, free email services may limit the size of attachments or restrict the number of emails you can send in a day, which can be problematic for businesses that rely on email communication.
- Lack of professional image
Using a free email service for business purposes can make your business appear unprofessional. When you send an email from a free email address, it may give the impression that your business is small, inexperienced, or not serious about its online presence. This can be especially problematic if you are trying to establish credibility and build trust with clients, partners, or investors. By contrast, using a professional email address with your business domain can help you project a more professional image and increase your chances of success.
- Legal liability
Using a free email service for business purposes can also expose your organization to legal liability. If your business email account is compromised, it can lead to personal identifying information being exposed on the black market, resulting in possible identity theft. This can make your business liable for any financial or reputational damage resulting from the breach of client data. As a result, it’s important to choose a secure email service with encryption and other security protocols in place.
- Affordable custom domain emails
Contrary to popular belief, using a professional email address with a custom domain is not as expensive as you might think. For less than $20 per year, you can have a custom domain name that reflects your business and a secure email account to go with it. Using a custom domain email address not only adds to the professional image of your business but also provides you with greater control and customization options. You can create different email addresses for different departments, employees, or projects, as well as control the size of attachments and the number of emails you can send in a day. Additionally, by using a paid email service with encryption and other security protocols in place, you can protect your business information and reputation from potential cyber threats and data breaches. The cost of a paid email service is a small price to pay for the added security, customization, and professional image it provides for your business.