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Email is the easiest way for malicious software or threats to enter your computer system. You can have all of the protection available but opening the wrong attachment or link can spell disaster. Email is the weakest link in your security plan. You need to know who and what you are clicking on by opening a link or attachment sent via email. Below are some warning signs

• Who is the email from?
• Were you expecting the email?
• Can you validate the sender?
• Does the email have errors such as spelling or grammar?
• Does the email convey an urgent response?
• Does the email request personal information?
• Is the email asking you to reset your password on an account?
• Does the email promise financial rewards?

Phishing is the most common way attackers launch the Ransomeware attacks you read about in the news. If you are uncertain about the email, call the organization to verify.

Phishing - The act of sending email that falsely claims to be from a legitimate organization. This is usually combined with a threat or request for information: for example, that an account will close, a balance is due, or information is missing from an account. The email will ask the recipient to supply confidential information, such as bank account details, PINs or passwords; these details are then used by the owners of the website to conduct fraud.

Some signs that the email above is "fishy".

• The name and email address don’t match.
• “American Express Company” isn’t the name of the legitimate organization.
• Design of the logo is different.
• If you click or hover over “Click here to review your account” it takes you to a different site.

Be very careful. Opening an attachment can be a dangerous action. Look for the warning signs. Malicious code can be embedded into files, links and even images.