Got an invoice PDF from someone I don’t know and I’m not sure if it’s safe to open on my Windows laptop. Could opening a PDF from an unknown sender actually harm my machine?
Honestly yes, PDFs can carry malicious scripts or exploits. I see fake invoices all the time with vendors. The simplest thing to do is run it through VirusTotal first, but if you werent expecting a bill, just delete it.
Yes, a malicious PDF can exploit an unpatched reader or trick you into opening a link or attachment, although simply viewing one is not always dangerous. I would not open it directly: verify the sender through a separate channel, scan the file with your security software, and keep Windows and your PDF reader updated.
Tbh unknown invoice PDFs can mess with your machine, I learned that the hard way. I never open them on my Windows laptop, I check on my tablet or just delete. What Windows version are you running?