E-mail risks
E-mail security risks include attachments; scams; viruses and worms;
spyware and adware; and hidden or devious links to bad websites.
What you can do
- Learn how to tell
if e-mail is a hoax, a virus, or for real.
- Use secure e-mail connections.
- Be suspicious of any unsolicited e-mail. When in doubt, delete it.
- Be cautious about links in e-mail. Going to a bad website can cause
malware to be downloaded to your computer.
- Scan e-mail attachments for viruses before opening -- and keep your
antivirus software updated.
- Don't respond to spam. Use good spam-filtering tools.
- Realize that websites, online forums, contests, and "free" services
(such as newsletters) are all used to collect e-mail addresses.
- Guard your privacy. Question why someone wants your personal
information.
Resources
See these sections for more about e-mail risks and solutions.