Telecom Update on Yahoo Xtra Email Security Enhancements

10 February 2014

Telecom Begins Latest Update on Yahoo Xtra Email Security Enhancements

Telecom will be contacting select Xtra email users from today, as together with service provider Yahoo it applies the latest in a programme of security enhancements to the Xtra email platform.

An additional encryption setting called ‘Secure Sockets Layer’ (or ‘SSL’), will soon be the new standard default connection for all Yahoo Xtra mail accounts and Telecom will be assisting users who access the service via a ‘third party’ email client, such as Microsoft Outlook for PCs or Android for mobiles, to update their settings.

SSL secures a user’s information and email messages making communications more private as they move between the user’s browser/device and Yahoo’s servers, to and from the destination. This enhancement secures the email while helping prevent interception or the compromise of emails, which is especially important while on an open public WiFi connection (such as those available at cafes and airports).

Telecom Retail CEO Chris Quin says that while Telecom is working hard to improve the service for dedicated Xtra email users, it’s important that customers take their online security as seriously as possible.

“Despite what has been a troublesome time with Yahoo Xtra, the majority of our users choose to retain their Xtra email address and many tell us that their email address is as much a part of their personal identity as their Facebook profile picture, phone number or home address. We’re continuing to look at what we can do to enhance Xtra mail so our users can have more confidence in the service to get on and do more online.”

“That said, while we’ll do all that we can to keep customers protected via their email portal, these security updates will not prevent the ongoing circulation of spam. Nor will it prevent Kiwis from clicking suspicious links contained in emails which can perpetuate spammers’ activity. Together, we need to work to keep all of us safe online.”

The company warns that maintaining a secure online profile extends even further, and email users should be careful to regularly update account settings with a strong, difficult to predict password and refrain from using the same password for their online banking, their email and their Twitter account. Emails containing suspicious links should be immediately deleted, even if they’re received from known and trusted contacts. For more information on the SSL update, Xtra users can go to www.telecom.co.nz/ssl or for more helpful information for staying safe online is available at www.telecom.co.nz/techinasec or via Netsafe at www.netsafe.org.nz

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I do if I receive a ‘spam’ email?
Immediately delete the suspicious email and never click on the links contained within it or download any attached files, even if the mail comes from a known contact.

What can I do to further protect my account?
• Never include sensitive information (such as passwords or credit card details) in emails and never store sensitive information in your email portal.
• Use a unique password for your email – for example don’t use the same password for your online banking, your email and your Twitter account.
• Change your email password regularly and don’t go back to old passwords, always set up and use a new one.
• Scam emails can appear to come from someone you know, so don’t click on suspicious links and watch out for phishing scams.
• Recognise when it is too good to be true – for example lottery wins notifications.
• Know how to quickly change your password using the simple links Telecom provides.
• Ignore unexpected attachments – if in doubt delete and contact the person who sent it to confirm it is the real deal.
• Keep software and anti-virus up to date.

ENDS

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