Still Be Careful with your eMail Attachment

Today we are fight with really bad virus, we have seen lot of virus and worms infected our personal computer. Most of the virus is transported or replicated from PC to PC using an e-mail. It is easy to find if you pay attention, simply because they are usually executable files, but not always.

Some attachments contain macros (simple programs that run within other applications, all the titles in the Microsoft Office macros). If you are not familiar with spotting file extensions, do not worry, that’s what I’m here to talk about today. If you are a bit fuzzy on the “file extension” everything and then let’s spend a moment to explain.

The file extension is what tells the program how to treat a particular part of the data. For example, most people are somewhat familiar .Doc or .Txt file extension to both document text and when the user opens the system looks at this extension and then know how to open.

cracker try to sort of eye-grabbing tricks to use to get you to e-mail them to open the virus, which is always an attachment to activate. Most anti-virus is no longer present, or at least warn you of high risk attachments and even take steps to protect you. However, the average 10 to 15 new viruses are created every day and I personally would not rely 100% programs to protect my PC. That is why I am critical of the email, if I was not expecting an attachment, I will not open until I had a chance to speak with the sender.
Some of the most common file types used to hide viruses include:

  • .Scr – Windows Screen Saver – Use caution when using a screen saver via email. They may contain viruses or worms
  • .Pif – DO NOT OPEN! This may be a virus. Clicking it will run a program or code that can mess up your computer.
  • .Exe – executable file – A program that viruses, Trojan horses or worms contain
  • .Pps – MS PowerPoint (can contain macro virus)
  • .Zip – Zip (compressed) file
  • .Vbs – Visual Basic Script
  • .Bat – MS-DOS executable batchfile
  • .Com – DOS executable command
  • .Asp – Active Server Page – a web script
  • .Doc – Word document (can contain macro virus)
  • .Xls – Excel file (can contain macro virus)

This does not mean a complete list. Just because an attachment may be one of these extensions does not mean that the virus, but should send warning signs. Crackers use clever subject lines, and viruses can be seen from a friend so keep on your toes and not fall victim to their deceptive traps. Scanning those attachments and verify the sender before opening.

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