Adobe users should be mindful of scams

Discount retailer Target recently made headlines due to a massive payment card breach that took place between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. According to a press release, approximately 40 million credit and debit card accounts were affected during this time frame.

However, using a credit or debit card isn't the only way people put themselves at risk of becoming the targets of identity thieves. Something so simple as using software could put individuals in harm's way, so long as they're not careful. Fortunately, with the type of knowledge professionals can acquire through Adobe training, they can know how to avoid situations that could put their personal information in jeopardy.

Here are a few reasons why people may be better off taking Adobe classes before they start to use software from the company:

Malicious emails
Anyone who has ever skimmed some of the titles in their email account's spam folder knows just how bizarre they can be. However, every now and then, people may wonder if a legitimate email ended up in the wrong place.

In a post on Adobe's blog, the company announced that it is aware of an email scam that's currently underway. The message, which could feature hyperlinks or downloadable attachments, is designed to trick recipients into thinking it's from Adobe. However, these emails are by no means safe.

According to the blog, the email claims to offer license keys that can be used with Adobe products. Those who receive this message are urged to delete it right away, and not click any of the email's hyperlinks or download its attachments.

A persistent problem
The email scam Adobe highlighted in its blog is not the first of its kind, and surely it won't be the last. The company's website states that products such as Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash Player have been associated with several phishing scams in the past, based on customer reports.

In fact, this past October, Adobe announced that its network had been the target of cyber attackers. According to a blog post by Brad Arkin, the company's chief security officer, the attackers were believed to have stolen information related to 2.9 million customers.

"Cyber attacks are one of the unfortunate realities of doing business today," Arkin wrote. "Given the profile and widespread use of many of our products, Adobe has attracted increasing attention from cyber attackers."

These scams are typically designed to target users of Adobe products who would have an interest in downloading the latest software updates. Unfortunately, those who fall victim to these scams often incur damage to their computers or have private information stolen. For this reason, it's essential that people know the signs of phishing before they fall prey to it.

What Adobe customers should know is the company never asks individuals for personal information over email. As a result, any message that requests private information is not from Adobe and is most likely part of a phishing scam, according to the company's website.

Knowledge is power
Ultimately, the risks associated with using Adobe products just serve as an example as to why Adobe training is so valuable. Whether individuals use the company's software for personal or professional reasons, they should know how to use it without falling into traps that are often avoidable.

If individuals are new to Adobe software, or simply wish to further their knowledge of it, they can look into the Adobe classes available to them at the American Graphics Institute.