The file is not a collection of holiday recipes or festive media, but rather a known malicious archive used in phishing campaigns and cyberattacks [1, 2]. Specifically, it has been identified as a delivery mechanism for the Emotet botnet or similar info-stealing malware [3, 4]. Overview of the Threat File Type : A .7z (7-Zip) compressed archive.

: When you extract the file using the password, you are presented with what looks like a harmless document but is actually a shortcut or script that contacts a remote server to download the actual virus [5]. Why It Is Dangerous

: Encrypted archives are difficult for standard antivirus software to scan before they are opened [3].

: You receive an email with a festive subject line or a sense of urgency.

: If you see this file in your inbox or downloads, delete it immediately.

: If received at work, notify your IT or cybersecurity department so they can block the sender's domain.

: Once one computer is infected, the malware can spread to other devices on the same Wi-Fi or office network. What to Do if You Encounter It

: To bypass email security filters that scan attachments, the .7z file is often password-protected . The password is provided in the body of the email [1, 3].