Email Security – Viruses, Spam, Phishing
New computer viruses, spam techniques, phishing attaches, and spyware come out each day. These malicious tools can spread easily through your IT environment. These threats are easily delivered through email by attachments or links to malicious websites. Infected emails often makes themselves appear like they are coming from friends, family, or a known business. Some have threatening messages that warn if you don’t open the email attachment or go to the website very soon something bad will happen like your accounts being locked out. Others promise access to the latest celebrity pictures and gossip, that you have won a lottery, or the newest tech toy for free! With these malicious emails mixed in with your normal email how do you help protect yourself and your company?
Here are a few tips to help keep your information and your company’s information safe:
- Never open an attachment if you don’t know why you are receiving it.
- Never open an attachment if the file type is an executable (.exe / .com / .bat / .vbs) or a Zip file that asks for a password or has an executable file inside.
- Do not click on links in emails unless you know the address is valid and trusted; it is best to retype the link manually or copy the visible text before going to any website link.
- Links can lead to malicious websites or phishing sites asking for personal information. Never enter your personal information into a pop up window or website opened from an email.
- Pay close attention to any warnings your email client or security tools generates to help identify malicious emails, software, or activities.