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Why can email attachments be dangerous?

While email attachments are a popular and convenient way to send documents, they are also a common source of viruses. Use caution when opening attachments, even if they appear to have been sent by someone you know. 

Some characteristics that make email attachments convenient and popular also make them a common tool for attackers:

• Email is easily circulated – Forwarding email is so simple that viruses can quickly infect many  machines. Most viruses do not even require users to forward the email—they scan a users' mailbox for email addresses and automatically send the infected message to all of the addresses they find. Attackers take advantage of the reality that most users will automatically trust and open a message that comes from someone they know.
• Email programs try to address all users' needs – Almost any type of file can be attached to an email message, so attackers have more freedom with the types of viruses they can send.
• Email programs offer many "user-friendly" features – Some email programs have the option to automatically download email attachments, which immediately exposes your computer to viruses within the attachments.

 

What steps can you take to protect yourself and others in your address book?

• Be wary of unsolicited attachments, even from people you know. 
• Keep software up to date. 
• Trust your instincts.
• Save and scan any attachments before opening them.
• Turn off the option to automatically download attachments. 
• Consider creating separate accounts on your computer. 
• Apply additional security practices. 

View Full Article: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-010