What are the risks of opening an email attachment and what actions can be taken to reduce the risks?

The Risk Is Maybe viruses.. Any kinds of pic could work, the problem could be your pic or your file maybe detected virus or you don't attach the pic well. You have to attach everything well. Go to "http://www.yahoomail.com" then sign in, and then click on "Compose" or "New". After that write the email that you want to send the attachment to. There is written under the subject "Attach File", click on that. After that 5 lists will come, click any from the list "Browse" then your computer bar will come. Go to your pic where that loacted. After that press attach file. Then wait till it finish attaching. After that when it finishes click on "send' the your E-mail will be send. Note: If you follow the instruction well, you won't be go to risk or this is the way could reduce the risks. Wish You Bestie.. Best Luck.. Evans..

The risk is a virus Most emails now have a Virus Scanner that scans the email before you open it. HOWEVER, they might not have that virus on their list of known viruses, yet. I never open FWD emails, but esp ones with attachments. Mostly I just open photographs that my friends have taken with their camera, and then sent directly to me. They havent gone out over the internet, so a slim chance theyve been embedded with any malware.