Emails as a communication method are quick, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and easy to monitor. Their downside is their vulnerability to dangers like phishing, ransomware, viruses, and spyware. These threats cannot affect you as long as you don’t open an attachment or click a link. You don’t have to worry too much because not every email you receive is infected.
Your concern should be to know how to identify threats hidden in attachments. Harmful programs are often hidden in files ending with .zip, .exe, and .scr. Again, it doesn’t mean all such files are unhealthy, but you can identify the harmful ones and avoid them. Here are the secrets to this.
What you must know about malicious email attachments
Malicious email attachments are files, including harmful programs, sent to your inbox. Most email providers have built-in tools that move suspicious attachments into Spam folders. These threats can be hidden in compressed files, documents, images, or PDFs. Damage by these programs and files only begins once you open them.
Malicious email attachments are dangerous, but this does not mean you should never open any attachment. Some of them are from genuine sources meant for business, education, or information. What you require is observing secure steps to check if a PDF have a virus. Install an attachment malware detection tool on your devices. This tool scans every email and confirms if an attachment is secure to open. If you receive a warning, take precautions and avoid opening it for your safety. You can trust Moonlock cybersecurity to provide you the best solutions in this regard.
Types of malicious email attachments that you should worry about
Many kinds of malicious files exist today because of technological advancements. You should be concerned about every attachment that you don’t know the source of. Nevertheless, data shows three types of malicious files that should concern you.
- .exe – This is a program that self-executes once opened. It may contain a harmful program that destroys your data.
- .zip – This is a compressed file sent to your inbox. It may contain many files with phishing malware.
- .scr – This format is sent as a screensaver. It may contain a code that installs viruses and malware into your device.
These are not the only formats you might receive in your email. You can also receive a .js file, .bat, or .cmd. A .js is a JavaScript file that runs code, while .bat and .cmd are script files that change your program settings. Other files that you must be keen to check are .pdf, .docx, and .xlsx, which often hide scripts.
If such a file is malicious and you open it, it could install various types of viruses. The common types of damaging viruses include Trojans, ransomware, phishing, and spyware. You could also get harmed by a malicious code that changes the settings of your browsers, operating system, and apps.
How malicious people trick you
Malicious people like scammers and hackers trick you by first winning your trust through convincing messages. They may suggest the best job offers, trading opportunities, or discounted purchases. You may receive an invoice or a delivery confirmation message, which raises curiosity. Such messages are intended to woo you to open the attachment and make you vulnerable. Never fall into the trap and regret later after losing your data.
Can you tell if an email attachment is dangerous?
Yes, you can tell whether an email attachment is dangerous by following the right identification steps. Your first step should be to check for file formats like .exe, .js, .zip, etc. Next, check the message, whether it sounds urgent or requires quick action. Check the sender’s address to see whether it looks suspicious.
Also, check whether the message contains poor grammar or strange-looking domain names or email provider’s names. These are warning signs that you should not open the attachment before scanning it. Activate your attachment malware detection tool and scan every email. It is better to be secure than to regret after a data breach or identity theft.
What about if you open a malicious email attachment by mistake?
If you open a malicious attachment by mistake, do not panic to avoid further trouble. Stay composed and immediately disconnect your Wi-Fi. Open your antivirus tool and run a full scan of your device. As the scanning process continues, sign in through another device and change your passwords. If you are not sure what to do, get help from a cybersecurity professional.
How to stay safe from malicious email attachments
Your main priority should be to stay secure and avoid becoming a victim. Take precautions and practical steps to avoid online attacks and data breaches. Updating your system is simple, but the fixes you get improve your online security. Scan all attachments to make sure they are secure. Never open any attachment before confirming it is safe.
Files like PDFs and MS Office may contain scripts and macros that harm your devices. Check settings and disable them for enhanced security. Install an antivirus program on your devices and enable automatic scanning in the background. Activate email filters in your emails and block spam from your inbox.
Some email providers allow you to report suspicious emails for action. Attacks could make you lose your entire inbox. Some emails could be important for business, education, or private issues. Create backups to avoid such experiences.
Conclusion
Malicious email attachments are common nowadays, and many people become victims by being rushed to open them. Understand the tricks online criminals use to trick you and how to identify such attachments. Install an attachment malware detection tool and scan your emails before opening them. Update your device operating system, apps, and install an antivirus tool.
