Question:
I recently received an email stating that my security software (it mentioned my security software by name) needs to be updated. It included an attached file, which it asks me to open, in order to update Norton. I haven’t opened it yet, because of recent scams involving attachments. Is this a scam too?
Answer:
Short answer – YES. Good call on not opening the attachment, it most likely contains malware. DELETE THE EMAIL IMMEDIATELY. Then, you will want to run a virus scan, after updating its virus definition lists.
Open the antivirus software and initiate an update check from within the program. With most software, you will find an “Update” button. Click it and install any updates it suggests.
Your antivirus software can be trusted to locate legitimate updates. So don’t trust emails that claim to know that your computer is infected or that your antivirus software is out of date. Even if the email appears to come directly from the publisher of your antivirus software.
It’s prudent to beware of “official”-looking emails that ask you for your account number. If you think the email is legit, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK. Instead, open your account the way you normally would (enter the address for the site’s main page into your browser’s address bar, and log in). The main page should point you to any issues you should be aware of.
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