We’ve received inquiries from members about potential scam emails they have received.  Remember, not all email attachments are the same!  Do not open any attachment you aren’t expecting!  Even if coming from a known contact, call them or email separately and ask if the attachment is valid.  Likewise, if you are sending an attachment give the recipient a heads-up if they are not already expecting it.  Why are attachments dangerous?  They can contain:

Malware Infections: Cybercriminals embed malware or malicious software into email attachments so the malware can infect a recipient’s devices when users download the document, permitting unauthorized access to files and data or even account takeovers in more severe situations.

Phishing Attacks: Threat actors execute phishing email attacks through fake or spoofed email addresses that look authentic, tricking users into clicking on links and opening attachments embedded with malicious codes that give criminals access to identities and financial information.

Malware Ransomware: These attacks install various types of ransomware that can encrypt user files and hold them hostage until victims pay a ransom, typically in untraceable Bitcoin. Ransomware can result in data loss, financial issues, and general harm to a digital environment.

Zero-Day Attacks: If your server has unknown cybersecurity vulnerabilities, cybercriminals can utilize zero-day attacks to exploit email security weaknesses on a device’s software or Operating System (OS). Threat actors can initiate these data breaches with email attachments.

Hopefully, you have installed virus protection software on your devices and that they catch any suspicious files – but remember that hackers are savvy and always coming up with something new.  Make sure to keep your software updated and don’t rely entirely on it.