This article was written by one of our amazing contributors! Content may include promotional links.
One of the easiest ways for a cybercriminal to gain access to a computer network, either an individual’s or one belonging to a business, is to get the computer owner to allow them in. Using email attachments that are opened and then infect the computer, laptop, phone, or tablet with malware or spyware, this is exactly what happens. This is why people must be vigilant when it comes to email attachments and delete those that look unsafe before opening them.
It can be difficult to ascertain which attachments are good and which are dangerous. In the past, it was obvious as hackers were unsophisticated and made no real attempt to hide what they were doing. Although there are still come emails that will be sent this like, the serious cybercriminals will take much more care, and will do what they can to trick the email recipient into opening the attachment. Here are some things to look out for to spot an unsafe email attachment.
Dangerous File Extensions
The file extension is the set of three letters that come at the end of the file name. Emails from hackers will often include attachments with unusual – although not unknown – file extensions, and this is something to look out for. Files that finish .zip or .rar could be dangerous, and if they come from a contact you don’t know, they are more than likely going to be suspicious.
However, the file you most need to take care with are .exe files. This extension denotes an executable file. In other words, if you open it, some action will be performed, more than likely the installation of a virus, malware, or spyware on your device. These files may also disable any anti-virus software you have.
Regarding your anti-virus software, make sure it is entirely up to date, or have the experts at Iconic IT check this for you. Without this software installed you are open to all kinds of attacks.
The Recipient
Something else to think about when you are looking into whether an email attachment is safe or not is the recipient themselves. A strange email address you don’t recognize, particularly one from a free service such as Hotmail, Gmail, or a cloud service, should be treated with suspicion.
Cybercriminals are keen for their victims to open up the attachments they are sending, so they will often disguise their emails and make them look as though they are coming from someone you know (or that person has been hacked and it really is coming from them, although not sent or authorized by them) or from a well-known organization. This is where it can become difficult to determine what is real and what is dangerous.
Before you open any attachment, check the file extension as mentioned above, and check the email. A quick scan through your inbox and you might think you really do have an email from your bank. However, on closer inspection, you might discover errors or inconsistencies that denote it is fake.
Strange Filenames
As well as the strange file extensions, keep a watch out for strange filenames. These might consist of a string of random characters, numbers and letters, that just don’t make any sense and don’t bear any relation to the email itself. These should always be treated as spam; if the person genuinely sent you a strangely titled email attachment and they are genuine, they will probably check in with you and check you opened it, after which you can go back and look. Otherwise, it’s better to be safe than sorry.