E-mail is the channel used for the majority of attacks on your computer.
An e-mail may contain attached files with malware or embedded links to a phishing site or a site that tries to exploit vulnerabilities on your computer.
Watch out for e-mail attachments
Always be on the alert when you receive e-mails with attached files. Especially if they
- are unexpected
- come from someone you do not know
- have a strange subject
- are written in a foreign language
Worms and viruses often come via e-mail from someone you know
Worms and viruses often replicate through the address books of the computers they have infected, so it looks as if the sender is someone you know. This is called “spoofing”. If in doubt, consider whether it might be best to delete the e-mail.
Hoax e-mails alleging they prevent virus attacks on your computer
Some e-mails can destroy your programs. Such e-mails are called "hoax e-mails". Hoax e-mails will often suggest that you forward them to your friends, so you help spread the attack. These e-mails often allege that they prevent virus attacks on your computer and often include a direct reference to known software providers, such as Microsoft and IBM.
Phishing e-mails - fraudsters try to get access to personal data
“Phishing” means that fraudsters try to get personal data from you, using bogus Web sites or e-mails seemingly originating from a well-known company. Bogus sites are designed to scam you into supplying sensitive information. It is simple to avoid: Never disclose your password, personal details or account number to anyone.