June Letter

Customer Courtesy and Online Credibility

Hi all,

This month, we have some significant developments to share regarding our email security measures and a thought-provoking discussion on the personal benefits of engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Enhanced Email Security with DKIM Authentication

 

“The only way to fight more sophisticated fraud is with more sophisticated solutions.”

Ian Li, Director of Enterprise Sales, Mastercard Identity

At Total Digital Security, we are constantly striving to bolster the security of our services.  As part of our ongoing commitment to protecting your digital communications, we are pleased to announce the implementation of DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) authentication for all private email domains we provide.

Here is Wikipedia on DKIM email: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DomainKeys_Identified_Mail

DKIM is a powerful email authentication method that helps verify the legitimacy of the sender and ensures the integrity of the message.  By adding a unique cryptographic signature to the headers of your outgoing emails, DKIM makes it significantly more challenging for malicious actors to spoof your email address.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the benefits DKIM adds to your Private Email domain at TDS:

• Enhanced Security: This feature protects against phishing attacks by ensuring that the email content has not been altered during transit.
• Email Authentication: Verifies that you, the email sender, is legitimate, reducing the risk of email spoofing.
• Improved Deliverability: Increases the likelihood of emails reaching the recipient's inbox instead of being marked as spam.
• Reputation Management: Helps maintain and improve your domain’s reputation, which is critical for online credibility.
• Trust Building: Increases recipient trust by third parties by proving that emails are verified and legitimate.
• Reduced Bounce Rates: Lowers the chances of emails being rejected by recipient servers.
• Compliance: Aids in compliance with email security standards and regulations.
• Protection of your Personal Brand: This safeguards the sender's brand by preventing the misuse of their domain in fraudulent activities.

With DKIM, you have greater confidence that your emails reach their intended recipients securely and without tampering while continually building the status and authenticity of your “online identity.”

 ✓ This upgrade to TDS's Private Email service comes at no additional cost to you, our valued clients, as a token of our dedication to your security.  Our team has seamlessly integrated DKIM authentication into your email domains, so you can enjoy enhanced protection with no additional effort on your part.

About Your “Online Identity”

“If I’m a fraud fighter, I’m looking for proof of life.”

David Britton, VP Global ID and Fraud, Experian

Consider your identity and reputation in “real life.”  Now, apply the same notions to your digital life, or “online identity.”

• A solid online identity and reputation are becoming as important in the digital world as they have traditionally been in the “real world.” 
• In the digital world, your online identity and reputation for authenticity will eventually be paramount to the security and functionality of all your online activities.

The need for online credibility services is creating an industry unto its own.

✓ DKIM authentication for your email domain elevates your online credibility and standing for authenticity and security.

Incidentally, the FBI, the NSA, and the DHS issued a joint statement in late May emphasizing the increasing importance of DKIM - DMARC is associated with DKIM, too many acronyms, I know.

Shifting gears, let's revisit our strong recommendation for clients to use AI as a "knowledge assistant" in their daily activities.

The Personal Benefits of Engaging with AI

✓ I'm revisiting this topic because I remain amazed and delighted to have this tool at my disposal.  As I improve at crafting prompts for generative AI like ChatGPT, the quality of the results continues to astound me.  It's reminiscent of the excitement I felt when first using the internet in the early 1990s.  My message?  Don't miss out on the incredible benefits AI offers.  Please read on to learn more.

We want to take a moment to once again advocate for your use of AI and explore how it can bring remarkable benefits to various aspects of your daily  life.  AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality that offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Here’s a short list of activities made fun, easy, and effective using generative AI, like ChatGPT.

• Personal Assistant: AI can help manage your calendar, set reminders, and even send emails or messages for you.  It will benefit you enormously to learn how to leverage AI for convenience and efficiency.
• Technical Support: Using AI for technology related issues and troubleshooting is incredibly easy and effective – like have your own IT-guy at hand all the time.
• Learning, Education, and Satisfying Your Curiosity: Get instant explanations on any topic, practice languages, or even receive help with projects and assignments.  When I get a question or thought in my head and I want an instant yet comprehensive answer, ChatGPT never fails to provide just what I’m looking for.
• Travel Planning: Find the best travel deals, plan itineraries, and get local recommendations for dining and sightseeing.
• Customer Service: Get instant assistance with product questions, troubleshooting, and even help with returns and exchanges.
• Home Maintenance: Receive tips on DIY home repairs, gardening advice, and even interior design suggestions.
• Shopping Assistant: Find the best prices, compare products, and get suggestions for gifts or personal purchases.
• Financial Management: Get help with budgeting, saving tips, and even explanations of complex financial concepts in simple terms.

Frankly, a bullet-point list like the one above can't capture the full experience of using generative AI.  Once you start experimenting with it, you'll quickly "get it" and understand its potential and be well on your way to reaping the benefits.

✓ Engaging with AI can transform your daily experience and boost your effectiveness, providing benefits that extend beyond the professional realm into your everyday life.  At Total Digital Security, we believe in harnessing the power of AI to enhance not only cybersecurity but also to enrich our clients' lives in meaningful ways.

Want Help Getting Started With AI?

✓ Some of the best advice I can offer today?  Learn to engage with AI and harness its power to enhance and improve your daily life.

We offer a Computer Coach service designed to assist with a variety of tech needs, such as managing passwords, optimizing browsers, and creating efficient workflows.

✓ Many clients have leveraged our Computer Coaching service to integrate AI as a "personal knowledge assistant," significantly enhancing their daily activities.  In less than hour, you can be on your way to the future with AU.

Click here for more and to schedule a session: https://www.totaldigitalsecurity.com/computer-coaching-services

Conclusion

We are excited about the advancements we've made in securing your email communications with DKIM authentication and are enthusiastic about the potential AI holds for personal growth and efficiency.

Consistent with our mission for over ten years at Total Digital Security, we are committed to providing you with cutting-edge solutions and insights to keep you secure and thriving in the digital age.

As always, stay secure, stay curious, and embrace the future with courage and confidence.

Thanks for reading,

Brad Deflin

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Computer Coaching and Tutoring

Our approach is about learning new life skills for increased satisfaction, privacy, and security with personal technology.

• Clean and optimize your computer or set up a new one.
• Learn to use a password manager and backup files.
• Set up your browsers for convenience and privacy.
• And much more.

Contact us for more.

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