94% of Malware is delivered in e-mail, intending to defraud you and steal your identity (according to Barracuda.com). The e-mail often is delivered to your JUNK or SPAM folder, but sometimes lands in your INBOX.
There are 10 types of e-mail threats to be aware of, avoid and delete. Do not click on attachments or URL links in these e-mails. Do not call any phone numbers in these e-mails.
1. Spam – These unsolicited e-mails from senders you do not know flood your e-mail with offers for products and prizes. This type of e-mail is time-wasting and could cost you money.
2. Malware – Malicious software can be delivered in attachments and URL links to websites that deliver Malware (virus, spyware, ransomware).
3. Data ex-filtration – This Malware harvests your data and transfers it to others without your authorization. One symptom is a slow computer.
4. URL phishing – These e-mails contain malicious links to fake websites.
5. Scamming – These e-mails defraud victims or steal your identity. They trick you to divulge personal information, pretending to be about investments, inheritance, lottery prizes or fund transfers.
6. Domain impersonation – a subtle change to a domain name in an e-mail address or website tricks you to think the e-mail is from a legitimate company.
7. Brand impersonation – These e-mails impersonate a company brand logo to trick you to respond and disclose personal or sensitive information. They may include a link to sign into your account; this is how the scammer gets your sign-in credentials to e-mail, bank or purchasing accounts. They may ask you to call for a refund for a fraudulent charge.
8. Extortion – These blackmail e-mails threaten to release compromising material unless you pay up.
9. Lateral phishing – These e-mails use stolen e-mail addresses from hacked accounts to send fraudulent and phishing e-mails.
10. Account takeover – When an account is compromised by hackers, they send malicious and spam e-mails to the contacts in your address book.
E-mail is a valuable service for communicating with your family, friends and associates. Just be aware that you may receive some e-mail that is intended to harm you or your computer!
I am committed to protect your computers at an affordable price. Thank you for trusting me to keep your computers healthy. Contact us at 239-567-0104 when it is time to renew your protection software, or if you need computer and internet help. Be well.
By Linda Lindquist, October 4, 2021 https://www.computerandinternethelp.com/contact-us
