Certified Internet Web (CIW) Professional Practice Exam

What proactive measure should Raoul take before opening a suspicious email attachment?

1. Use antivirus software

2. Update his operating system

3. Contact the sender for confirmation

4. Make a backup of his computer files

The correct answer is: Contact the sender for confirmation

The most prudent action Raoul should take before opening a suspicious email attachment is to contact the sender for confirmation. This step is crucial because malicious attachments often masquerade as legitimate files sent from trusted contacts. By confirming with the sender that they did indeed send the attachment, Raoul can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing schemes or malware infections. Using antivirus software, while helpful and a good practice, may not always detect sophisticated threats. Similarly, updating the operating system helps in maintaining security but is more of a general preventive measure rather than a specific response to a suspicious email. Making a backup of computer files is also wise, providing a safety net in case of data loss, but it does not address the immediate threat the suspicious email presents. Therefore, verifying the authenticity of the email attachment with the sender is the most effective proactive measure in this situation.