Can Opening an Email Give You a Virus?

Opening an email itself generally won't give you a virus, but that doesn't mean you can let your guard down. Here’s the lowdown on how email-related infections actually happen. Before diving into the reading just always to be skeptical regarding emails that hit your inbox regardless of how familiar you may be with the sender:

Email Attachments

This goes for URLs too but we’ll touch upon that in the moment. A great amount of danger actually comes from the files that are attached within emails. Cybercriminals will often send attachments that in reality, are embedded with malware. For example it can look like a regular PDF, word document or even an image that seems innocent but once it’s downloaded and opened, the underlying malware will start run and infect the system. It’s important to always remain skeptical of attachments that are sent to you even if it’s someone that you communicate with frequently. If it’s someone you know but weren’t expected it, always confirm with them from an alternate means of contact (think cell phone #) in the event there email was compromised and the attacker is trying to reach more targets.

Malicious Links

Just as often as we see malicious attachments, we see malicious URLs as a common form of attack over email. Essentially, attackers will include links within their emails with the intent to lead the unsuspecting recipient to an malicious website. These websites will often have exploits built to run directly into the browser or potentially have the website automatic install a file via an automatic download. A great tactic is to hover the link in the email, and you will see a little tidbit appear underneath showing where it actually leads you too. For example the link may say “Click here to reset your Microsoft Password” but if you hover over the link it would actually show you something like “Badwebsite.com”.

Refer to this image below for an example of hovering over a link.

Embedded Scripts

Some email clients allow for HTML and JavaScript content. While modern email services typically have security measures to prevent malicious scripts from executing, it’s still possible for a cleverly crafted email to bypass these protections. It’s best to disable the automatic downloading of images and set your email client to display emails in plain text if you want to be extra cautious. If you are using a service like gmail, outlook, etc. this is most likely already in place. This could likely be a setting you would potentially have to turn on if you were hosting your own mail service or a system administrator.

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails attempt to trick you into revealing personal information like passwords or credit card numbers. They can direct you to fake websites designed to capture your credentials. Always check the URL and look for signs of phishing, like poor grammar, urgent language, and suspicious email addresses. This goes hand in hand with all the above mentioned tactics. At the end of the day they all fall under the category of a phishing email. A phishing email is specifically crafted to get unsuspecting email recipients to click, download, or even in some cases accidentally give the attacker their information blindly.

How to Stay Safe

• Use Antivirus Software: Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date and scan attachments before opening them.

• Enable Email Filters: Use spam and phishing filters provided by your email service.

• Update Software: Keep your operating system, email client, and browser updated with the latest security patches.

• Be Cautious: Be skeptical of unexpected emails, especially those that urge immediate action or contain attachments/links.

Practical Advice for Safe Email Practices

1. Verify Before Opening: Before opening an email attachment, verify the sender’s authenticity. If the email is unexpected or from an unknown sender, exercise caution.

2. Scan Attachments: Always scan attachments with reliable antivirus software before opening them. This adds an extra layer of security against potential threats.

3. Check Links Carefully: Hover over links to check their actual destination before clicking. Be wary of links that seem suspicious or lead to unfamiliar websites.

4. Be Skeptical of Urgent Messages: Phishing emails often use urgent language to prompt immediate action. Take a moment to scrutinize the email for signs of phishing, such as poor grammar or suspicious email addresses.

5. Use Security Features: Enable spam and phishing filters provided by your email service. These filters can help reduce the number of malicious emails that reach your inbox.

6. Keep Everything Updated: Regularly update your operating system, email client, browser, and antivirus software with the latest security patches. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities.

By following these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to email-based malware and phishing attacks. Stay vigilant and informed to keep your digital life secure.