Dangerous email messages

Spyware

With the help of spyware, criminals obtain information about the user's actions. A typical example is a keylogger. It is designed to track keystrokes. Obviously, with the help of a keylogger, malefactors can get logins, passwords, etc.

Adware

The adware usually causes annoying pop-ups, page redirectsand other ads. Adware is used to profit from advertising.

How to identify malicious attachments?

Most modern mail services and antivirus tools seek to protect their users from hacker attacks and use different filters and rules. Most emails with malicious attachments do not reach the end-user. Nevertheless, using various tricks, attackers bypass security systems and deliver malicious messages to addressees. In order not to become another victim of a cybercriminal, users need to be very attentive.

As a rule, attackers try to provoke immediate actions using headlines like "Urgent," "Past due invoice," etc. However, it is advised to act calmly, assessing the situation without haste, and adhering to the following algorithm:

1. Take a close look at the "To" and "From" fields in the header of the letter. Is the recipient's address the same as yours? Do you know the sender? If you do not know whose email address it is, then this is most likely spam.
2. Pay attention to the language and overall quality of the letter. Numerous spelling and grammatical errors, unclear logos should raise red flags.
3. Be critical of urgency. If an email requires immediate action or tries to pique your curiosity, be very vigilant.
4. Always question requests for confidential information. Do not reply to an unsolicited email asking you to enter login password details, your name, or your date of birth. Reputable services never request this information via email.
5. Check URLs. Many of the web links used in phishing campaigns look similar to legitimate website URLs but look odd on closer inspection. If the URL is hidden in a text link, hover your mouse over it and see where the link points.
6. Stay away from unrecognizable file types. In most cases, only a few standard file types are sent as part of business email communications. If the file looks unusual, do not open it.

Conclusion

Despite its age, email remains the main distribution channel for malware these days. People still click malicious links and open strange file attachments. It is advised to be vigilant and check each letter carefully. If there are doubts about authenticity, it is good to call the sender. Stick to the email verification algorithm. Business owners who want to protect their companies from unexpected losses should teach their employees the basics of information security. The weakest link in any defense is always a human.