One In Two Users Click On Links From Unknown Senders

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[H] News
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How does a virus spread so quickly? Why does malware and ransomware work? Because people in general are pretty damn stupid. A new study found that up to 56% of e-mail users clicked on links from strangers even though they knew the risks. Think about that for a minute. :eek:

Most people know that e-mails and Facebook messages from unknown senders can contain dangerous links. However, many users still click on them – and Dr. Zinaida Benenson from FAU’s Chair of Computer Science 1 has investigated why. The results of the experiment were clear: up to 56 percent of e-mail recipients and around 40 percent of Facebook users clicked on a link from an unknown sender although they knew of the risks of their computer becoming infected with a virus. And the main reason? Curiosity.
 
The first thing I tell people that ask about malware protection: The best protection is careful browsing habits. Don't click on links from people you don't know or that seem out of context for the people you do know. That includes Facebook, email, texts, and anything else. If your ever get a link out of the blue, contact the person that sent it before you follow it. It can be a pain, but hey! You get to talk to a friend(collaterally letting them know their account may be compromised) AND you'll potentially be saving yourself time, money, and work.

If you value your privacy, your work, and your time: you'll be more careful.
 
The stupidity starts from browsing the internet with Windows.
 
How else am I going to get a bigger penis for my russian bride while tracking my package and refinancing if I don't click links?
 
Don't click on links in emails, even if they come from a customer.
Also don't type in your login information and password when the link prompts you for them. (happed last week to a couple employees) :confused:
Only click on the link if you know they are sending you a link to something you need or ask me (IT) if the link is ok.
 
Jesus christ..i knew the numbers were bad but over 50% of people are STILL dumb enough to click links in email? What in the actual fuck? It has been common knowledge for at least 15 years that clicking unknown links in email is just stupid.
 
Dekoth-E- said:
Jesus christ..i knew the numbers were bad but over 50% of people are STILL dumb enough to click links in email? What in the actual fuck? It has been common knowledge for at least 15 years that clicking unknown links in email is just stupid.
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It's enough to make you shake your head, sigh and give up on humanity...
 
I think [H] should send out emails and find how many people here will do it. I doubt this entire group falls in the 50% that doesn't click.
 
NeoNemesis said:
How the hell else am I going to order my heavily discounted, off brand viagra?
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From India.... alldaychemist.com. :D There are plenty of others out there, too.

I'll fire up a VM and click on some of the weird ones hoping there is a virus or something. I'm working on computer security stuff, and want to see how they replicate and cause damage and find more out about them first hand. Fun stuff so far.

At my work, we're doing tests to see how many click. Our numbers are going down, but it's still a pretty high number. Tons are executives, though. Every time.
 
Ur_Mom said:
From India.... alldaychemist.com. :D There are plenty of others out there, too.

I'll fire up a VM and click on some of the weird ones hoping there is a virus or something. I'm working on computer security stuff, and want to see how they replicate and cause damage and find more out about them first hand. Fun stuff so far.

At my work, we're doing tests to see how many click. Our numbers are going down, but it's still a pretty high number. Tons are executives, though. Every time.
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I assumed most of them are just phishing emails looking for you to enter personal details, and not actually downloading and installing malware.

I wouldn't know though. I don't think I ever click them, unless they come from a known source.
 
Not surprising, as about half the population are below average intelligence, and the average guy isn't all that smart.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
I assumed most of them are just phishing emails looking for you to enter personal details, and not actually downloading and installing malware.

I wouldn't know though. I don't think I ever click them, unless they come from a known source.
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Most of them are. Some take you to a download or a malicious site. I open attachments, etc. in there, too.

Never ever on my personal live machine, either.
 
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