August 2026

Levels of Email Security

*sponsored by ProtonMail​

As far as email communication goes, most people just use Gmail or Outlook, and others use something like Proton. What most people don't understand, however, is that there are actually 5 levels of security that are available to you.

​5 Levels of Email Security Explained​

Go Deeper: Even within these levels, there are plenty of ways to secure your email communication. Check these out:

Email Aliases Did you know it's possible to never give out the same email address? ​Watch the video →​

Options? I use and recommend Proton, but there are other options out there. ​Watch the video →​

Secure Email In addition to being the best secure email app, ProtonMail is also incredibly intuitive to use on mobile and blocks all kinds of trackers embedded in email. If you've never tried it before, create a full account for just $1. Try Proton Mail

hidden features

Hi [CORRECTED_NAME GOES HERE], email is one of those tools that we've used for so many years now that most of us don't even think about it. Security features that were added years ago may not have crossed your radar.

That's the case with stuff like Confidential Mode in Gmail or even some of the features I mentioned in this week's video about Proton.

The reality is, we tend to take email security for granted, and although it may not matter when your mom is trying to email you that recipe of grandma's delicious cookies, it should matter when you're communicating with your tax attorney, lawyer, or other sensitive conversation.

Not every email needs to be protected by PGP encryption, but it's worth knowing how to do it when the time comes.

You never know...

This Week in Privacy News

​Meta settles lawsuit​

Chalk this up as a...win? Meta will pay up to $18 billion (maybe) to resolve claims by U.S. states that Facebook and Instagram are designed to keep young users hooked, ending ​one of the highest-profile tests of allegations that social media companies harm children.

--> Reuters.com/legal/government/what-meta-agreed-us-teen-safety-settlement-2026-08-26/

​FTC warns of package scam​

Did you get a package you didn’t order? It could be a brushing scam where a scammer uses your name to leave a fake review for that package you didn’t order. It could also be a sign that someone has (or is looking to steal) your personal information.

--> Consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/unexpected-package-you-got-could-be-brushing-scam

​9 million face images exposed​

Researchers found a cloud database containing more than 9 million image files accessible without authentication. The leaky bucket, containing some 450 GB of images, was traced back to a US-registered company called ClarityCheck.

--> Malwarebytes.com/blog/privacy/2026/08/9-million-images-of-peoples-faces-exposed-by-reverse-lookup-service

Curious about PGP?

Spoiler (if you didn't watch the video): level 5 is PGP encryption, which is still the best protection for email communication. But it can be a bit confusing.

I've been thinking about filming a tutorial on how to use PGP. Would that be something you're interested in? Reply to this email to let me know if it's worth taking the time to do that.

✌️

Josh

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3824 Cedar Springs Rd #801-8170, Dallas, TX 75219
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