An attachment is a file that may be in any format (i.e. text or image) which is attached with the text and associated with your posted message. It is attached to an e-mail message. If the attachment is a binary file or formatted text file (such as an MS-Word document), it must be encoded before it is sent and decoded once it is received.
If the attachment is an image, it will be shown at the end of the text part of the message. Other attachments will be indicated by name and made available to download.
Attachments are the one of the most common means to spread viruses from computer to computer as people often send infected files as an attachment and in case attachments are downloaded without security check your computer also get affected. Hence you need to be very careful before opening any attachment. You should be on the alert and never open an attachment when you cannot verify the source from which it came or the content of the attachment.
There is a general notion that most viruses are transmitted through e-mails. This is absolutely correct, as we often download the attachments sent through mail coming from unknown addresses. But that does not mean that if any mail is coming from a known source, we should open the attachments without being cautious of probable virus content. Even if an attachment is from a known source it is always recommended to be careful before you actually open it.
Filename extension is a big clue whether or not to open an attachment. It is always suggested to never open a file whose extension is.exe. EXECUTABLE FILE TYPES COULD CONTAIN A VIRUS. It is a good practice to make sure any executable file is checked for viruses with an up-to-date anti-virus program before opening the file on your PC as they are the probable carriers of viruses. It should not be inferred that all other files are safe and it is always suggested to scrutinize the files and keep anti virus updated. File names with extensions like COM, BAT, PIF and VBS should also be avoided. You should also be careful of ZIP files.
Points to be remembered before opening an attachment
• Outlook and Outlook Express are more vulnerable to getting infected with a virus. Security check is recommended before opening any attachment.
• Keep antivirus up to date. It is the safest measure o resist a virus infection.
• Scrutinize carefully every mail before opening attachment.
• Confirm the source and contents before opening randomly.
• Even if the mail is from a known source read carefully and then open the attachment once you are sure of its contents.
• If you are suspicious call up the person who has sent the mail and confirm the attachment. Obviously the person who has sent the attachment knows what its contents are. Once satisfied then you can open the attachment.
• Save the attachment first to the disk. Do an antivirus check and then open it.
• If the attachment is an image open with an image viewer as many viruses come as image files and when you double click it windows interpret as executable files.
• Last but not the least if you don’t know what it is don’t open it.
These are a few ways in which you can ensure the safety of your computer while opening attachments sent through mail and prevent it from getting infected with malicious virus.
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