There is a lot of debate over whether fax or email is more secure. Some people swear by faxing because it provides an extra layer of security, while others prefer email services because it is more widely used and easier to access. It depends on your needs and preferences, especially regarding security issues. To solve the debate, we have compiled a list of the pros and cons of faxing vs. emailing. In this article, we will explore the security of each method and help you decide which is right for you. So, which is the more secure option? Let’s find out.
Email services have come a long way in recent years. They now offer encrypted connections and secure login credentials. However, email is still vulnerable to hacking and phishing attacks. And, if you are not careful, it is easy to accidentally send sensitive information to the wrong person. The email system is also susceptible to outages and downtime, which can be frustrating if you are trying to send or receive an important document.
Fax
Fax machines use a physical connection to send documents, so there is no risk of them being intercepted by hackers. They also do not rely on the internet, so they are not affected by outages or downtime. Fax machines also can password-protect documents containing sensitive information, which adds an additional layer of security. That is why some people think faxes are more secure than emails. However, fax machines can be expensive to maintain and are not as widely used as email, making sending and receiving documents more difficult. Legally binding documents also need to be physically signed, which can be a hassle if you are not in the exact location of the person you are sending the document to.
What Are The Similarities Between Fax And Email?
Now that we have looked at the pros and cons of each method. Let us compare fax and email to see how they stack up.
- Both fax and email allow you to send and receive documents electronically.
- Both are relatively quick and easy to use.
- You can send documents to multiple people at once.
- You can add attachments to both faxes and emails.
These are just a few of the similarities between fax and email. But what about the differences? Read on to find out. What Are The Differences Between Fax And Email? Regarding security, there are some critical differences between fax and email.
1: Fax Machines Require A Physical Connection
You need to be physically connected to the machine to send a fax. This means someone would need physical access to a fax machine to hack into it. On the other hand, email can be hacked remotely.
2: Faxes Are Sent Over A Dedicated Line
Another advantage of faxes is that they are sent over a dedicated line. This means that the chances of your fax being intercepted are much lower than with email. Email, on the other hand, is sent over the internet. This means that it is more vulnerable to being intercepted by third parties. The fax numbers are also much harder to spoof than email addresses.
3: Faxes Are Less Likely To Be Infected With Malware
Since faxes are sent over a dedicated line, they are less likely to be infected with malware. This is because there is no way for the fax machine to connect to the internet and download malicious software. On the other hand, email is often infected with malware because it is sent over the internet. Therefore, online fax services are much less likely to be infected with malware than email services.
4: Faxes Can Be Encrypted
Another advantage of faxes is that they can be encrypted. This means that your sensitive information will be safe from prying eyes. Email, on the other hand, is not always encrypted. Again, this means that your sensitive information could be at risk of being intercepted by third parties.
5: Faxes Are More Difficult To Forge
Faxes are also more difficult to forge than email. This is because faxes use a particular type of paper that is difficult to copy. Email, on the other hand, can be easily forged. All someone needs to do is create a fake email address, and they can send you an email that looks legitimate. Switched telephone networks PSTN fax services are less likely to be forged than email because they use a digital signature.
So, Which Is More Secure – Fax Or Email?
As you can see, there are some advantages and disadvantages to both fax and email. In the end, it depends on your specific needs. If security is your main concern, then fax is the better option. However, email is the better option if convenience is your primary concern.
If you are looking for more information about communication options, the Technical Action Group can help. We offer various services for businesses to help them communicate more effectively. In addition, our highly trained staff can help you choose the right communication solution for your business. Contact us now at 416-489-6312 to learn more.
