Are you anxious about opening suspicious emails? You’re not alone in this digital age where spam and phishing schemes are rampant. Many individuals are uncertain about the risks associated with these unsolicited messages, especially when it comes to their safety.

Understanding the Risks: A Reader’s Concern

Take, for instance, a question from Bill, a concerned reader from Groton, Connecticut. He wrote to us seeking clarity: “Can clicking on a spam or hacker email get me into trouble if I don’t open anything inside it? Can we ever get into trouble by simply reading an email?” This is a common concern, and it deserves a thorough examination.

Can You Get into Trouble Just by Reading an Email?

Let’s dive into the topic and dispel some myths surrounding email safety.

Myth 1: Opening Emails Can Instantly Infect Your Device

A prevalent misconception is that merely opening an email can infect your device with malware. Fortunately, most modern email systems, like Gmail and Outlook, are designed to prevent this from happening. The true danger lies in interacting with the email’s content—specifically, clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments.

Myth 2: Plain Text Emails Are Always Safe

While plain text emails are generally safer than their HTML counterparts, they can still harbor risks. Phishing attempts can appear in plain text, enticing you to visit harmful websites.

Myth 3: Emails from Known Contacts Are Safe

Even if an email seems to come from someone you know, that doesn’t guarantee it’s safe. Attackers can spoof email addresses or compromise accounts. Always exercise caution with unexpected or strange messages from known contacts, particularly those containing links or attachments.

Myth 4: Spam Filters Catch All Malicious Emails

Spam filters are incredibly effective, but they are not foolproof. Some sophisticated phishing emails can evade these filters and make it to your inbox. Therefore, it’s crucial to remain vigilant, even with emails that appear to have passed your email provider’s security checks.

Myth 5: Previewing Emails Is Always Safe

Modern email clients often have a “preview” pane that allows for quick reading. While the risk of malware through previews is significantly reduced in up-to-date systems, embedded trackers can still confirm your activity to spammers. To minimize exposure, consider disabling automatic image loading and other active content features in your email client’s settings.

Important Points to Consider

While simply opening an email is generally low-risk, there are critical aspects to keep in mind:

• Embedded Trackers: Some spam or phishing emails contain trackers that alert the sender when their email is opened, confirming your email address is active and potentially leading to more spam.
• Malicious Links and Attachments: The real threat comes from clicking links or downloading attachments that can redirect you to harmful websites or install malware on your device.
• HTML Emails: These can sometimes execute scripts when opened. While modern email clients have protections against this, it remains a potential risk.
• Phishing Attempts: Even if you don’t click anything, phishing emails can look convincing and trick you into providing personal information if you respond.

How to Protect Yourself from Spam and Phishing Emails

To stay safe and minimize the risk of encountering malware or falling victim to scams, follow these practical guidelines:

• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Never click on links or download attachments from untrusted emails. Use antivirus software on all your devices for added protection against malicious downloads.
• Choose a Reputable Email Client: Opt for an email provider that prioritizes security features like spam filtering and two-factor authentication to bolster your account’s safety.
• Enable Email Filtering: Activate spam filters to reduce the number of unsolicited emails in your inbox. This helps decrease exposure to phishing attempts.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your email client and operating system to protect against the latest vulnerabilities.
• Consider Data Removal Services: Use these services to limit how easily your personal information can be accessed by potential scammers.