Err on the Side of Caution

I offer this advice: err on the side of caution when opening emails this holiday.

If your intuition tells you to not open that one, listen.
UPS, FEDEx, Amazon, DHL, and other delivery companies do not send emails with attachments. This is the first clue that the email may contain an infected component.

Email is the number one way that computers get infected, especially during holidays.

We expect emails form family and we do not hesitate to open them. Check the time sent on those emails. Would that relative send email at that hour?

We expect notifications of deliveries. Did you place an order with that company? Check at the website to be sure. If there is nothing on their main site, the email is probably not what you thin it is.

Banks, and financial institutions send only mail that tells you to go to their website. THEY DO NOT INCLUDE A LINK.

And most importantly, when you click on a link and then say I allow, your anti-infection software thinks you know what you are doing and by the time it is popping up telling you there is a problem, it is too late and the system has some component of the infection installed and active.

Be Aware. Malware is out there.