Email is often a vehicle used to transmit malware and commit fraud. It is important to evaluate your email behaviors and develop good habits to help protect your computer and your identity. In addition to viruses and worms that can be transmitted via email, phishing also threatens email users. A type of email fraud, phishing, occurs when a perpetrator, posing as a legitimate, trustworthy business, attempts to acquire sensitive information like passwords or financial information.
Never Open or Respond to SPAM (Unsolicited Bulk Email Messages).
Delete all spam without opening it. Responding to spam only confirms your email address to the spammer, which can actually intensify the problem.
Never Click on Links within an Email.
It’s safer to retype the web address than to click on it from within the body of the email.
Don’t Open Attachments from Strangers.
If you do not know the sender or are not expecting the attachment, delete it.
Don’t Open Attachments with Odd Filename Extensions.
Most computer files use filename extensions such as “.doc” for documents or “.jpg” for images. If a file has a double extension, like “heythere.doc.pif,” it is highly likely that this is a dangerous file and should never be opened. In addition, do not open email attachments that have file endings of .exe, .pif, or .vbs. These are filename extensions for executable files and could be dangerous if opened.
Never Give Out Your Email Address or Other Sensitive or Personal Information to Unknown Websites.
If you don’t know the reputation of a website, don’t assume you can trust it. Many websites sell email addresses or may be careless with your personal information. Be wary of providing any information that can be used by others for fraudulent purposes.