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Threat Advisory Center
New Email Threat using Numbers in Subject Line

What It Is

New Email Threat using Numbers in Subject Line

Symantec Security Response is advising users to take extra precautions when opening emails that contain just numbers in the subject line.

On June 6, 2006 Symantec Security Response observed increases in email activity through Symantec’s Global Intelligence Network that may be spam-related. The emails contain a series of numbers in both the subject line and body. While these numbers appear to be random, Symantec has seen the follow numbers consistently:

  • 455
  • 557
  • 969
  • 5556

Some emails may arrive appearing as if though user sent the email to themselves.

Symantec Security Response has analyzed this threat and at this point do not believe that the emails pose an immediate security risk. However, it is advised that users delete emails that contain only numbers in the subject line as an extra precaution. Symantec will closely monitor this situation and will provide updates and security content as necessary.

Protect Yourself

To reduce the possibility of being affected by security vulnerabilities, Symantec Security Response advises users to do the following:

  1. Never open files contained in emails sent by those you don’t know and trust
  2. Regularly run Windows Update and install the latest security updates to keep software up to date.
  3. Use an Internet security solution such as Norton Internet Security to protect against today's known and tomorrow's unknown threats

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