There has been a lot of lore about a spam message giving your computer a virus and causing all kinds of problems. But, does it actually happen? If the email you received is in text format, the answer is most definitely no. A text message cannot harm your system in any way, so while it may be annoying, you do not have to worry about it. However, if you receive an HTML message (and most spammers do use HTML), there is a possibility that there is some harmful code in that email. Many HTML-capable email programs do run code inside of an email without your warning. A spammer could use this code to launch pop-ups, cover their own tracks, or more dangerous activities. Properly coded, and if you don’t have adequate protection, a spammer could implant a virus on your machine which then sets you up as a zombie (see above). A virus could also potentially install a keystroke macro, meaning anytime you press certain key combinations, you will get some ad or other thing.

Another potentially dangerous practice is phishing. This is not dangerous because it can install software to your computer. It is dangerous because, through social engineering, it could trick people into giving up sensitive information such as log-ins, social security numbers, bank account numbers, etc. The way it works is that the phisher will create an email which is designed to look like a well-known website. Ebay and Paypal are common targets. The email that is sent is designed to look like it came directly from eBay or Paypal (for example). They usually say something like they need to confirm your information because of a server problem or some routine maintenance. In short, they say there is some problem with your account and they need info from you. If you lick the link and go to their website, it is a look-alike copy of the original website. However, if you filled in the form, your info would NOT be going to the company allegedly sending the email. It goes right to the phisher’s database who may then turn around and sell it to criminals. After all, the phisher is a criminal.

How can you identify a phishing email? Its not difficult.