These allow a hacker to take complete control of your webcam, microphone, and files without your knowledge. 3. Red Flags to Watch For
Historically, files named similarly to "video_x-mas.7z" have been used to deliver various types of malicious software:
If you want to share holiday videos safely, use trusted platforms like YouTube , Vimeo , or Google Drive where the service can scan the file for viruses before you view it. video_x-mas.7z
This is a compressed archive format created by the program 7-Zip. It is used to bundle multiple files together and reduce their size. Because archives can hide the true nature of the files inside, hackers often use them to bypass basic email security filters.
Permanently delete the file from your computer and empty your trash/recycle bin. These allow a hacker to take complete control
If you weren't expecting a video from the sender—or if the sender is a stranger—the file is dangerous.
Avoid double-clicking the archive or extracting its contents. This is a compressed archive format created by
If you already opened it, immediately run a full scan with a reputable antivirus like Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender .