What happens if you click on a link in a fake email?

If you open an attachment or click on a phishing link in these emails or messages that appear to be from someone you know and trust, malicious software like ransomware, spyware, or a virus will be installed on your device. It usually happens behind the scenes, so the average person cannot detect it.

Why should you never click on a link in an email?

Phishing is an email attack attempting to trick you into either opening an attachment that contains a virus, clicking a web link that contains a virus, or visiting a website which creatively asks for personal information. As a general rule of thumb, don’t click links!

Can you get hacked just by opening an email?

Can I get a virus by reading my email messages? Most viruses, Trojan horses, and worms are activated when you open an attachment or click a link contained in an email message. If your email client allows scripting, then it is possible to get a virus by simply opening a message.

What if I clicked on a phishing link but did not enter details?

If you clicked on a malicious link, the best thing to do is remain calm. Panicking is usually followed by “emotional clicking”, which could spread the virus faster if you click on the wrong buttons or select the wrong settings. Take a deep breath and proceed to step 2.

Why you should avoid suspicious links?

Malicious links are often found in messages sent from questionable accounts and to a large number of people. This means that you need to check who sent the message and to whom. If the addresses and list of recipients look suspicious or unfamiliar, it probably is and you shouldn’t click on anything in it.

Does clicking on a phishing link?

What Happens If You Click on a Phishing Link? Clicking on a phishing link or opening an attachment in one of these messages may install malware, like viruses, spyware or ransomware, on your device. This is all done behind the scenes, so it is undetectable to the average user.

Can malware be installed on iPhone?

iPhones can’t get viruses, because iPhone viruses don’t exist. But while iPhones are less vulnerable to malware than Androids, there are other security threats you should watch out for. Phishing attacks and unsafe Wi-Fi networks are just two of the various threats that can affect your iPhone or iPad.