In this article, I'll continue where I left off in 10 Red Flags for Suspicious PDFs by detailing five additional indicators that a PDF file may be malicious. As PDFs are commonly used for phishing, malware delivery, and data theft, recognizing these advanced warning signs can enhance your ability to mitigate risks. Let's examine these signs more closely.
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5 More Signs a PDF Might Be Dangerous
🚩 Odd PDF Metadata
The document's metadata (like creator name or creation date) can sometimes reveal if it's suspicious. For example, metadata showing it was created years before its content references recent events might be a red flag.
🚩 Fake Watermarks or Seals
If a PDF displays official-looking seals or watermarks but they look pixelated or off-center, it could be fake. Hackers often mimic official documents poorly to appear legitimate.
🚩 Mismatched Fonts or Styles
If the PDF's text switches between multiple fonts or formatting styles, it might be a hastily made scam file. Legitimate documents usually maintain a consistent design.
🚩 Requires a Password Unexpectedly
If a PDF demands a password to open but you weren't expecting it, be wary. This tactic is sometimes used to trick users into revealing passwords on phishing pages.
🚩 Strange Behavior
If opening the PDF causes unusual delays, repeated prompts, or forces your reader to crash, it could indicate malware or corrupted content. Normal PDFs don't behave erratically like this.
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Browse safe!