Be Aware
Email Safety and Latest Scams
Malware (including viruses, Trojan Horses, and worms) is a dangerous threat not only because of the damage that these programs can cause, but also because how quickly and easily they are spread from one system to another.
// Common email-related threats include:
- Spam. More than just a nuisance, unsolicited email can arrive in such large volumes that it can cripple your email program and stop legitimate communications from arriving.
- Hijacked accounts. Viruses will commonly hijack your email system without your knowledge, using it to send copies of the virus to everyone in your inbox. Not only is this a dangerous way to spread the virus, it can also damage your reputation and relationships, particularly if the virus causes significant harm to the recipients system.
- Infected attachments. Many types of malware will replicate and distribute themselves as unsolicited attachments in emails. For example, a Macro Virus can arrive to you attached to a benign looking word document.
- Phishing. Some emails will try to trick you into divulging personal information like passwords and usernames. These emails present themselves as legitimate communications from trusted sources, and are often very good at duplicating the real thing.
// There are some simple ways to protect yourself against email threats. Make it a habit to:
- Install an antivirus program that is equipped with email scans, ensuring that files are clean before you open them.
- Only send and receive word documents as Rich Text Files (.rtf). Macro viruses are not able to attach to these documents.
- Never open forwards. They’re boring, uninspiring, and more often than not, they are infected with viruses and other forms of malware.
- Establish a Safe Practice Policy for your computer, and inform everyone who uses your system of the rules. This will prevent a friend or family member from opening a dangerous attachment and unwittingly infecting your system.
- Avoid sending personal information through email, unless you are secured with a strong encryption program.
Of course, even the most careful computer users can fall victim to the deceit of malware designers. In order to make sure your computer is as secure as possible you should install one of the best antivirus programs. A program like this will help protect you from email threats, both those that are currently known and those that are being designed as we speak.
// Here are some of the latest email scams:
5th September 2010 | Email Scams...
