What Is An Email Virus?

Email viruses are small programs that hide in attachments to email. When the email is opened the virus is activated and installs itself on the computer. Sometimes there is a bug in the email program that allows the virus to install itself even if the attachment in the email is not opened.

Once the virus is installed, it can create lots of problem. First, the email virus will try to propagate itself by using the computer to send more copies to other computers in the network. Some viruses also install a backdoor program and allow hackers. A third problem could be your computer could turn into an email relay for spam. This way the blame will come to you and not the spammer.

Email viruses have been a problem mainly on computers that run some version of Microsoft Windows. Most viruses attack those computers that use MS Outlook or MS Outlook Express to access emails. No virus has been designed for Mac OS so far.

Many email servers check for known viruses before it reaches your computer. In addition you need to install your own anti virus, particularly if it is connected to multiple email servers.

Also, you need to take precautions while dealing with emails. It is advisable not to open emails with unexpected attachments. Outlook and outlook express are more vulnerable to viruses. Since, Outlook Express is integrated to the MS operating system; it remains the prime target for hackers to get access to the operating system and cause maximum damage to the data.

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