How do you decide whether to open an email attachment?

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$Framework for Math - Western Washington University$

How do you know whether it is safe to open a file from the Internet or an email message?What you should know about opening files from the Internet or e-mailSource: Microsoft Internet Explorer Help SystemThe most common way for computer viruses to spread is through files that you get from theInternet or e-mail.Figure 2: Sample AttachmentSo before you download a file or click an e-mail attachment, consider:Does that file have a virus?You won't know unless you check. Make sure you have an antivirus program installed and that itis up to date and set to scan all incoming e-mail attachments and downloaded files. Keeping yourantivirus program up to date improves its chances of catching the latest known virus.If you do not have antivirus software installed, you should purchase and install an up-to-dateantivirus program to help protect your computer.What do you know about that e-mail attachment?Before you open an e-mail message or attachment, consider these questions:‣ Do you know and trust the sender of the e-mail message? If you get e-mail from a person orbusiness you’ve never heard of before, you should be cautious.‣ Have you exchanged e-mail with this person before? If you get e-mail from someone youknow but have never corresponded with, ask yourself if there is any reason you’re getting thismessage now—especially if the message has a file attachment or contains a link to a Website.‣ Do you have any reason to expect e-mail from this person? If you are surprised to see e-mailfrom this person, be cautious about opening the message.‣ Does the message on the subject line make sense coming from the sender? If the subject lineis just gibberish or nonsense, you’ll be safer if you delete the message.Page 4 of 8Attachment may contain a virus
How do you know whether it is safe to open a file from the Internet or an email message?If the answer to all of the questions above is no, it's probably best to delete the message.If you know the sender of the message but the message looks suspicious, don't hesitate to senda message to the sender asking if they really sent the e-mail to you. It’s much easier to checkbefore you open the message than it is to clean viruses off of your computer.Can I trust every Web site?Not every Internet neighborhood is safe. Be cautious of a Web site if…‣ You were referred to the site by e-mail from someone you don’t know.‣ The site contains objectionable material, such as pornography.‣ The site makes offers that seem too good to be true. Is it just trying to lure you to the site?‣ You are asked to provide a credit card number but there is no indication that the Web siteensures its transactions are secure.‣ The site offers free membership but asks you to provide extensive personal information thatdoes not seem necessary or that you do not want to provide.Figure 3: Downloading from the InternetPage 5 of 8Attachment may contain a virus
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