The majority of malware email attachments contain code or exploits that cause your machine to download additional malware from the internet. Antivirus software has a hard time detecting these email attachments because they are generally small, tailored, and not widely distributed. Email malware can also steal data from your computer, such as passwords, bank logins, PayPal logins, other logins, or files, or use a RAT (Remote Access Tool) to take full control of your computer remotely, or simply act as an agent, allowing attackers to attack other computers through your computer.

Because email viruses account for the majority of computer viruses, a good email security plan is crucial in safeguarding your company against viruses, malware, and other dangerous threats. Traditional antivirus software is insufficient in defending users against harmful and costly attacks, such as zero-day exploits and ransomware, due to the rapid evolution of email attacks such as zero-day exploits and ransomware. This technology must be used as part of a proactive, fully supported cloud email security solution that delivers comprehensive, real-time email vigilance in order to provide successful email protection.

Malware emails frequently imitate package/parcel delivery notices, bills, fax/scans, or forged court documents.

Tips for Recognizing a Malware Email

1. The email address of the sender. If the sender’s address is unexpected or does not match a company’s expected address, it is most likely a virus email. The majority of malware emails seem like delivery notices, bills, fax/scans, or court notices. These emails rarely look to come from a legitimate source; for example, emails purporting to be from the US Embassy, Lottery, or Bank are likely to include malware if the address does not match the.co.zw domain.
2. The username appears in the email topic or attachment. In a virus email, the topic or attachment filename may contain your username, or the Subject box may be blank. Contrast this to normal emails which almost always have a Subject and rarely mention your email username.
3. An attempt to persuade you to open an attachment. Many malware-infected emails will entice you to open an attachment. Even if you have antivirus installed, many attachments might still be hazardous. Emails about package delivery issues have no compelling reason to need you to open an attachment; if they were writing you about a true delivery issue, they could just inform you in the email body.
4. Verification of information It could be a malware attachment if an email asks you to confirm, check, evaluate, or supply information using an attachment. If you’re not sure if something is safe, think about it and contact assistance. It’s possible that opening the attachment isn’t safe.
5. A problem alert, a threat, or a sense of urgency. Malware emails frequently try to instill panic, worry, or a sense of urgency in you. You should be extremely cautious if an email advises you to remedy an issue by opening an attachment. Some emails appear to be a follow-up request after a previous response. Dealing with package delivery issues, information regarding phony court appearances, or bogus invoices from businesses you may not be doing business with are just a few examples.
6. Undisclosed-recipients/unlisted-recipients. If undisclosed-recipients/unlisted-recipients or an email address other than yours appear in the email recipient list, it could be malware.
7. Attachment that raises suspicions. It may be malware if the email has an unexpected attachment, such as a file with the extensions.doc,.zip,.xls,.js,.pdf,.ace,.arj,.wsh,.scr,.exe,.com,.bat, or other Microsoft Office file types. Keep in mind that the file extension may be concealed or the contents may differ from what is stated.
8. There are no logos and the text is plain. Most acceptable email messages are written in HTML and may contain a combination of text and images. Malware emails are usually devoid of pictures and feature simple style.
9. A generic salutation. It could be malware or a phishing effort if the email is addressed with a generic phrase like “Dear Customer.”
10. The contents of the attachment were unexpected. It could be malware if you open an attachment and the contents are empty or extremely different from what you expected. Please call support right away if you need assistance! Support may be able to help you recover or limit the extent of your injuries.

 

How To Protect Yourself from Malware emails

You can generally discard a potential malware email if it doesn’t appear to be related to your job. Keep in mind that a determined attacker may try to persuade you to open the email by sending a follow-up email or calling you on the phone.

On any document you receive through email, NEVER select “Enable Content” or “Enable Macros.”

Consider your response to an email before acting. Be skeptical of any communications that urge you to respond right away or threaten you with dire repercussions if you don’t. Consider whether you’ve already dealt with the sender.

 

Please be aware that traditional desktop antivirus software is unlikely to detect modern email threats, so proceed with caution. To help secure your emails, identity and other sensitive information, we recommend that you get the e-scan software from us. Call in to get a quote for your business.