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Wednesday August 27th, 2008

Managing Email Attachments

Most common email viruses are spread through email attachments. Attachments are files that are sent along with the message. If an attachment has a virus it is usually spread when you double-click or open the file. You can minimize the risk of getting a virus from an attachment by following a few few simple rules.

5 Tips to Manage Email Attachments

  1. Do not open an attachment unless you are expecting it AND you know who it is from.
  2. If you receive an attachment from someone you don't know, delete it immediately without opening it.
  3. Use anti-virus software and keep it updated.
  4. If you need to send an attachment, contact the recipient and let him know you are sending it so he knows it is not a virus.
    » If you are faculty, staff, or a graduate student, consider using WebFiles to upload your file and then send the recipient a link to download the file.
  5. Use spam filters to block unsolicited email. Many viruses are sent as spam.
    » If you use NACS Mailbox Services, you can easily set up spam filtering using My Email Options.