Why eCards, eVites, eGreetings, and such are eVil

[ronjor]

{QUOTE-> There are a number of reasons why people should not send or read eCards and the like. I am hard pressed to think of any reasons why people should send them though. So, how about a list of reasons why you should not send or open them. <-QUOTE}Randy Abrams (http://www.eset.com/threat-center/blog/?p=76)

[ccsito]

The number one reason for sending them is to save on postage and card costs (the cheapo factor). If you could not see that obvious one, you must be lacking in the brain cell count. ::)

[benny bronx]

Hi ccsito:


{QUOTE-> The number one reason for sending them is to save on postage and card costs (the cheapo factor) <-QUOTE}

Do not forget the lazy factor. One can send an e-card in less than 5 minutes, whereas a regular card needs to be purchased, signed, and mailed. And what says "I care" more than 2 puppies waving their heads and tails. While I always considered these to be a security risk, I never really gave much thought to the the fact that the sender is likely giving away the recipients e-mail address to a third party. Thank god for the junk mail account.

[tepe2]

A good read! Thanks ronjor!

I see you often post links to good articles, and I appreciate that.

[Carver]

I never did like eCards too many security issues ie trojan droppers; viruses; keyloggers. There is a possibility that they would end up in peoples spam filter if the were not addressed directly to the person, people might just delete them accidentally. There is a .jpg virus too, so eCards are just a bad idea. I think a phone call is better anyway.

[ccsito]

{QUOTE-> I never did like eCards too many security issues ie trojan droppers; viruses; keyloggers. There is a possibility that they would end up in peoples spam filter if the were not addressed directly to the person, people might just delete them accidentally. There is a .jpg virus too, so eCards are just a bad idea. I think a phone call is better anyway. <-QUOTE}

A lot of e-cards have what is called the "cute factor". Many have animations using flash and music videos or cartoons. You cannot project an animated image via a phone call (unless you have a video phone or I-phone), but then you run the risk of sending a corrupted video message via that device. Also, if you want to send greetings to 50 people, you have to make 50 phone calls. With e-cards, just one click sends your greetings to a slew of recipients.8)