Okay, I admit it. There's a strong strain of paranoia that occasionally pumps through my veins with regard to "matters technical."
Make that "matters computer."
This has grown considerably as the number of emails has ballooned. Between business and the blog, a sizable amount of messages arrive every day. Many get screened out by spam controls but even with that a horde gets through to my in-box. Aside from winning notices from the European lottery and offers of millions from residents of the Ivory Coast, I get messages urging me to open this or that.
So I've a quiz for you. How many of you more computer-savvy types (and believe me, you could use a chisel to open your computer and your technical skills would outshine my own) would be reluctant to:
- Open a link in an email that has been sent by a stranger?
- Open an attached document that has been emailed by a stranger?
- Both 1 and 2.
- Neither 1 nor 2. What's the big deal?
6 comments:
Following a link? - only after viewing source and looking at the actual HREF of the link so I can see where it goes. You'd really have to explain to me why I should though.
Asking me to confirm my information is an immediate flag it is BS. No real business does that. They may ask to confirm a subscription by clicking on a link, but never ask for private information.
Never open an attachment from a stranger. Especially if it is an .exe. If the case for doing so in the email is good, then save it locally and run an anti-virus scan on it first. Or reply and ask for a text-only or html version.
Big deal is malware. Opening a document that has a virus or other nasty tool in it. Next thing you know you're part of the spam problem since your machine is a bot sending spam. Or your machine is part of a denial of service attack or worse, they are watching for your bank and credit card information.
Our corporate anti-spam gateway classifies the reason it blocks messages and there are dozens of phishing and malware/virus messages caught every day.
Stranger?
What is a stranger?
I've received e-mails with the sender's address being myself. How the heck does that happen when dementia hasn't yet set in and I know I never sent myself an e-mail.
So, to answer your question, I opt for option #3, with not opening anything from a stranger...including my doppelganger.
I delete. Risk is too high. If I don't know you, call me.
I deeply appreciate all of these comments. Not only are they informative but they confirm that my ultra-cautious approach makes sense. I routinely delete items that are questionable. On occasion, however, a message comes in from someone who seems to be legitimate but who is including links and not really explaining just who they are. [I teach scads of workshops. Please forgive me if I don't immediately recall your name.] I never click on those links but may explore them via Google. In some respects, this is a reminder to senders to review the message prior to transmittal and ask, "If I received a message like this, would I be suspicious?"
(Admission: I work for Microsoft)
I hope you forgive the security irony but there is some really good sound advice on the Microsoft security site including some free product downloads to help out with things like this: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/default.mspx
I liked the very simple note on security for bloggers too:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/family/activities/blogging.mspx
Personally, if I dont know you and there is no introduction then I dont open documents or go to links - sound information from the other posts. You also need to be careful when you get links sent to you through IM from people you do know these can often be suspicious especially if you are not having a conversation with them and or it was unsolicited.
Lots of free help out there that is sound and accurate. Interestiungly if you have a security problem with your PC then all support from Microsoft is free also. Nice to know..
Mike,
Thanks for the info. I'll be especially interested in the advice for bloggers!
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