| Many people in the modern world use email everyday, | | | | Phishing is a relatively new but spreading phenomenon |
| as a means of communication for both work and play. | | | | when it comes to email security. The basic premise of |
| However, email does have its downside. Emails are | | | | a phishing email is to get you to send them personal |
| the most common way to transmit computer viruses | | | | information such as passwords which may let the |
| and with the spread of email use comes the spread of | | | | phishers get hold of bank account or credit card |
| viruses. | | | | information. Phishing emails often use the logos of |
| Viruses | | | | well-known financial institutions and other companies to |
| The most common way to get a computer virus is via | | | | get you to trust their email. |
| an email attachment. Usually viruses are found in | | | | How do you know when an email is actually from a |
| executable files, but they can also be present in | | | | legitimate company or is phishing for your personal |
| images and other file types. Some viruses even email | | | | info? Check the link provided; is it actually the company |
| themselves to people in your own address book, so | | | | name used in the email? If you get an email from a |
| take great care opening any attachments, even from | | | | supposed large corporation and the corresponding link |
| people you know. | | | | has nothing to do with that name you can bet |
| Before you open any attachment you should scan it | | | | itís a phishing email. Also, it is rare that any |
| for viruses. There are many anti-virus programs | | | | company, specifically banks, will ask you to verify |
| available that will allow you to scan email attachments | | | | personal information via email. |
| before they are opened. Viruses can not only destroy | | | | Email Backups |
| your computer but can attack network resources | | | | Since emails can be lost just as quickly as any other |
| such as servers and routers. Stop them before they | | | | data in the event of a disaster, you should always do |
| even have a chance to install on your computer and | | | | email backups. This can be done by exporting emails |
| cause any harm. | | | | into folder on your hard drive, then including that folder |
| Phishing | | | | in your scheduled daily or weekly backups. |