Well it is that time of year again, when we all get those cool email postcards from family members, friends, and the like.  But be careful before clicking the attachment to run the postcard program because it could be a virus.

Yes, I have written a few blogs concerning viruses, but since "'Ti's the Season" I thought this particular issue should be addressed.

As with any email during any time of the year, you should always be vigilant about what you are opening,  A couple questions you should ask yourself BEFORE opening an email are:

1. Do I know the person who is sending me this email?
2. If you do not know the person, are you expecting the email?

In the first case, you see that the email came from someone you know, but does this person normally send you these type of emails?  If not, either call or email the person to verify the they in fact did send you a postcard/funny email or just delete it altogether.

In the second case, if you do not know the person, but you are expecting an email, why would they send you a postcard or other "off topic" email?  A little common sense can go a long way.

We all know viruses/spyware can do many things to a computer or network, and can cost you time and money.  You should always make sure whatever anti-virus software you use does some type of email scanning, preferably inbound and outbound.  Make sure your signature database is kept up to date. 

Any suspicious looking emails should be deleted immediately.  Your preview setting in you email client (Outlook, Thunderbird, Eudora) should be turned off so that it does not open the email and launch the virus payload.  Remember that some of those "warning" emails that come from a known source can be a trick to get you to open the message.  Remember the malicious program can verify that your address is valid. This is another reason why the preview function should be turned off.

If you have any questions about anti-virus software, how to turn off the preview function, or questions about a email  you can always email or call the CCS Support Department at 800-672-4806.  If you  have a strong concern about a particular email, I would recommend deleting it as the safest action.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday
-Bryan