The spread of global pandemics by email has been a persistent threat over the last few years. Employees have had to learn new protocols and tools and behaviors to protect themselves and their company.

While we may have locked down our front doors and our front gates, what about our virtual mailbox and our virtual front gates? Cybercrime is as if not more prevalent than the pandemic and email phishing attacks are very common.

Since employees are more interconnected and reliant on email, they are often the main targets. So, know the signs of an email virus.

1. An Unfamiliar Tone or Greeting

An unfamiliar tone or greeting in an email can be a sign of an email virus threat. Typically, with virus-carrying emails, the sender appears to be someone familiar to you, such as a contact, friend, or family member.

However, the greeting will usually be generic and non-specific, making it unfamiliar. This is often a giveaway that the email isn’t actually from the person it claims to be from but is instead from a potentially malicious sender.

2. Grammar and Spelling Errors

Poorly written business emails that contain numerous grammatical mistakes and typos are not common and may be a sign of an email virus. It is important to take note of the excessive use of certain languages or dialects that are not typical of the sender or recipient.

Other indicators of a virus threat include messages asking you to open unknown attachments or click on suspicious links. If this happens, it is best to delete the email without opening it and run an anti-virus scan.

3. Threats or a Sense of Urgency

Such emails often will include language that attempts to pressure the recipient into clicking on links or opening attachments. Threats will include fake warnings of account suspensions or other dire consequences if the recipient does not comply. Another common tactic is to include urgent time frames such as this offer will expire in 48 hours.

4. Unusual Request

The unusual request may involve clicking a suspicious link, asking for personal information, or asking you to open an attachment. It may appear to be from someone you know, but the email address may be completely different.

If an unexpected email request arrives, use caution and be sure to double-check the email address. Any unusual requests or questions should be treated with suspicion.

5. Request for Credentials, Payment Information, or Other Personal Details

Such requests often take the form of an email that reads something along the lines of We need your credentials for payment or other personal details. Be wary of such requests, especially if you cannot verify the sender or source. Do not provide any personal information if the request seems suspicious.

Legitimate organizations and companies would not request sensitive data through email. That’s why it is important to have IT services in place that can identify and respond to these threats. Any IT services found here should give you an idea of how email encryption and data protection should be.

Know the 5 Warning Signs of an Email Virus Threat

Never open an email attachment unless you are absolutely certain that it is safe. Make sure that you recognize the sender or are sure of their credentials. Always use good anti-virus software and don’t click on any links that look suspicious.

If you see any of these warning signs, delete the message without opening it and avoid potential email virus threats!

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