In an effort to provide vital protection against malicious computer viruses spread through email, Google Apps now actively filters (blocks) email attachments that represent a known and significant threat of viral infection.

The University will block email attachments with certain file extensions. Microsoft Corporation currently blocks these same "unsafe" extensions in Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express. Most viruses are now being transmitted through electronic mail as attachments. Blocking the attachments most commonly used by viruses will protect University systems and data.

Gmail won't accept these types of files even if they are sent in a zipped (.zip, .tar, .tgz, .taz, .z, .gz) format. If this type of message is sent to your Gmail address, it is bounced back to the sender automatically.

Sending and Receiving Attachments

There are several methods of successfully sending or receiving attachments that would normally be blocked.

• Rename the files to include a temporary file type that is not on the list of blocked file types. For example, you might rename MyFile.exe to MyFile.exe-save, and then attach the file to the email message. You can include instructions in the message to save the file with the correct name, for example, MyFile.exe, when the recipients save the file to their computers.
• Transfer the files using FTP or post them to a secure network share. In your message, you can include a link to the share that you have given the recipients access to.
• Transfer the file using a peer-to-peer applications such as instant messaging.

Due Diligence

HSU faculty, staff and students must be constantly on-guard against the threat of email viruses and must take personal responsibility to ensure that individual actions do not compromise the valuable resources of others, and the resources of our campus. Everyone should maintain a healthy suspicion with regard to email and confirm the reliability of all attachments before opening them, even if the message is from someone you know.

All faculty, staff and student computers on the HSU network should have a current virus protection software installed that is configured to automatically upload the latest virus protection engines and data files.

Microsoft Windows operating systems should be automatically updated using the “Windows Update” plan to implement all critical updates and service packs.

For more information, contact your area ITC or the Help Desk.

Related Links

Viruses, Spamming and Urban Legends
Anti-Virus Software for Personal Use