Email attachments can potentially carry malicious software. Detecting such threats before opening a file is a crucial aspect of maintaining system security. This involves employing a security tool or procedure to examine the attachment’s contents for known virus signatures and other indicators of compromise. For example, one might utilize an antivirus program’s context menu option upon right-clicking the attachment to initiate a scan.
Protecting against malware transmitted through email enhances data integrity and prevents system corruption. Historically, email-borne viruses have been a significant attack vector, necessitating the development of sophisticated scanning methodologies. The proactive examination of files helps mitigate risks associated with opening infected documents, images, or executable files.
