Can you get a virus just by opening a PDF?

Yes, you can get infected just by opening a PDF, but there are a few things you can do to lessen the chances of this happening, such as keeping your software up to date, disabling JavaScript on PDF documents, and being aware of suspicious emails.

Are PDFs safe to open on my phone?

If you know where the file comes from, then opening a PDF on your phone should be fine. But remember that it isn’t safe to open a suspicious PDF of unknown provenance on any device — whether desktop or mobile.

Can a PDF give me a virus if I don’t open it?

No, PDF documents are data files, and they cannot execute on their own without you performing an action, such as opening the document or clicking on a link within the document.

How do I know if a PDF is safe?

To be sure that a PDF is safe, scan it using trusted antivirus software before opening or interacting with it.

How effective is antivirus software against malicious PDFs?

Antivirus software can be extremely effective against malicious PDFs, but it isn’t foolproof — some threats may still slip past its protection. To help close security loopholes and limit the damage that a malicious PDF can cause, it’s paramount to keep your antivirus software, apps, and operating system up to date.

Can a PDF have a virus? Yes, here’s how to protect yourself

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