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Can a PDF file cause my cell AND my PC to crash?

  • August 23, 2015
  • 1 reply
  • 23 views

I recently received a PDF file via email. When I opened it with my cell - it went crazy and crashed. When I tried loading it on to my website with my PC, my graphics driver went crazy - everything turned black - then crazy stuff - so I had to reboot. When I inspected the file with Webroot, it didn't find anything wrong, and neither did a full scan. I'd be glad to email the file to Webroot if they want to take a closer look at it. It'd be nice to know if it's carrying something it shouldn't be so I can warn the creator of it.

1 reply

Baldrick
Gold VIP
  • Gold VIP
  • August 23, 2015
Hi JohnMark
 
Welcome to the Community Forums.
 
Whilst it is indeed possible that a PDF can be used as a vector for infection (and in fact I believe that Adobe very recently rushed out a patch for some flaw in their reader products) but the fact that you have scanned it with WSA and nothing has been found is a good sign.
 
Just to make sure what I would do is Open a Support Ticket, describe the incident to the Support Team, and let them see what action they would recommend...they may wish to inspect your system just to make sure that all is well, etc.
 
If you wish or need to provide them with a copy of the PDF they will ask for it but you can upload to them for inspection either via this link or from within the WSA client (Utilities > Reports & then the 'Submit a File' option)
 
This is a free service provided to all WSA users who are in possession on of an active subcription.
 
I hope that this helps?
 
Regards, Baldrick