Attachment

Many people use attachments to transmit documents, videos and pictures via email. Attachments enable nearly any type of file to be transmitted depending on capacity. Most mail servers will notify a recipient that a message contains an attachment before opening it. This may be indicated by a paper clip or similar icon found next to the subject field of the email. After opening an email, a recipient will find an icon or text link which indicates the attachment that will typically state the file name and size. An attachment can be viewed or downloaded by clicking on it and the proceeding instructions. Several writers of malicious code use email attachments to distribute worms and system infections. When clicking on the attachment’s link or icon, the recipient unknowingly installs infections onto their hard drive. Many mail servers are now able to automatically scan attachments in search of viruses and other security threats.