E-Card for Valentines?

Here's a little common sense when it comes to the e cards that you might get for Valentines or any other occasion. This is from an article found on Microsoft Security at Home web site and it's well worth the read.

How to send and receive e-cards more safely

How do e-cards work? For the most part, they are created the same way Web sites are; in other words, they are built on the Internet just like this page. So when you send someone an e-card, you are actually giving them a link to click on, which takes them to the online greeting card you created for them to enjoy.

Unfortunately, hackers, scam artists, and porn purveyors have started to move into e-card territory to trick the unwary.

No one knows how many illegitimate e-cards are being sent, but a variety of problems—some annoying, others potentially destructive—may stem from fake e-cards. A wholesome-looking greeting card, once clicked or downloaded, might actually be:

•	Spam or a spyware installer that displays pornography or other unwanted images on your desktop, launches adult-oriented Web sites, or barrages you with pop-up ads (even when you aren't on the Internet).
•	A computer virus that scans your e-mail addresses and then sends a bogus e-card to your personal and professional contacts—typically without your knowledge. The fake e-card and virus may even appear to be from you.

Don't fret, though. With a little knowledge and prudence, you can avoid fake e-cards and enjoy legitimate ones by applying the same caution you would use with any piece of e-mail you receive.

Safe Surfing,

Darrell Mishler

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