New spam alert: PDF attachments

SUNNYVALE, Calif. (7/23/07)--New spam messages with Portable Document Format (PDF) attachments flooded e-mail inboxes the past few weeks. In one 24-hour period, PDF spam accounted for an estimated 10% to 15% of all spam messages around the world (Commtouch July 17).

The bodies of new spam messages have the look and feel of a legitimate business message, but the text inside a PDF (if it's opened) is easily recognized as spam. Most existing spam filters ignore e-mails with PDF attachments, so many of these messages have made their way into inboxes across the globe (SC Magazine July 13).

Here are some tips to help you avoid and recognize spam e-mail:

• Use more caution than in the past when opening e-mails. PDF spam e-mails might look like a business e-mail you should open, but pay close attention to the sender before opening any PDF attachments. Anti-spam and anti-virus companies are working to find a way to combat this new kind of spam, but while they're working, pay closer attention to all e-mails before opening anything.

• Don't open e-mails that look suspicious. If you open it accidentally, delete it right away and don't click on any links or open attachments. Don't ever reply to junk e-mail, even if there is a link to "remove" your e-mail address from a mailing list.

• Make sure your spam filters are set to filter out most junk mail. The higher your filters are set, the less chance you have of accidentally opening an unwanted e-mail.

• Check for security program updates regularly. Spam evolves rapidly, but security program researchers and developers work quickly to combat new spam evolutions. Keep your computer protected by checking for updates frequently.

• Don't post your e-mail address on websites. Even though it might be tempting to put your e-mail address on a social networking site or other website, don't do it. Give your e-mail address only to people you'll be contacting regularly.

• Opt to "opt out." If you need to create an account for a website that sends you e-mails you don't need, remove yourself from its mailing list.

For more information, read "Financial Fitness Challenge, July--Brush Up PC Security" in Home & Family Finance Resource Center.