Virus', worms, adware, spyware and other malicious files are waiting for you in your email.
Be careful what emails you open on your computer. Some emails that you get may contain virus', worms, adware, spyware or other malicious files. As soon as you open the email you will be infected. Infections by virus', worms, adware and spyware may go unnoticed, you may not even know you are infected.
What Are Adware, Spyware, Worms and Virus'
- Adware - Adware is the software that causes ads to pop up on your computer, sometimes even when you're not browsing the Internet.
- Spyware - Spyware is worse. This software will send your personal information to other people without you even knowing it. They can find out what kinds of Web sites you visit and even get your usernames and passwords.
- Virus - A virus can range from small annoyances to a major computer crash that can erase everything on your computer. They are attached to exe files so they can't run unless they are open but some can open themselves as soon as you open the email. You may send them to other people without even knowing it and infect them too.
- Worm - A worm will get into your email and send itself to all your friends and spread itself around. The worm on your computer may get into your email system and send itself to everyone in your address book without you having to do anything.
- Trojan Horse - The most insidious it the Trojan Horse. Called that because of it's sneaky nature you may be tricked into opening it because it disguises itself as coming from a trusted source. Trojans can also create a back door on your computer that lets other people gain access to your files.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
- Be Careful - Your emails may look harmless enough, they may even look like they're from someone you know or something you're interested in. All of a sudden you're infected. Don't open emails that you aren't sure about. If you receive an attachment from a friend that you weren't expecting, email them or call them to make sure they sent it.
- Antivirus Software - Always have your antivirus software running. There are several different antivirus softwares on the market that you can use. These are a must. You will get hit by a virus if you get email. Never browse the Internet or check your email without it.
- Adware Software - Use an adware program to check your system at least once a month, more is possible. Most of them are free unless you want to monitor your system constantly like the antivirus software does, that costs a little more. I personally use Ad-Aware.
The copyright of the article Don't Open Unknown Emails in Internet Security is owned by Linda Roeder. Permission to republish Don't Open Unknown Emails in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
