: Once opened, the file may install spyware , keyloggers , or remote access trojans (RATs) , allowing attackers to steal personal data or take control of the computer. Safety Recommendations

Cybercriminals often use mundane or helpful-sounding file names like "GARDENINGTIPS3.7z" to bypass a user's natural suspicion. The .7z extension indicates a compressed archive created with 7-Zip, which can hide executable scripts or malicious payloads from basic email filters.

: Users receive an email—often appearing to be from a known contact or a legitimate organization—encouraging them to download the "gardening tips" archive.

: If you must inspect a suspicious file, upload it to a service like VirusTotal to check it against multiple antivirus engines without opening it on your machine.

: Enable "File name extensions" in your operating system settings to see the true nature of a file before clicking.