What Attachments Are Safe

The question isn't, what e-mail attachments are safe, it's what e-mail attachments are less dangerous. Generally, all image files (that are truly image files) are safe for viewing.  Further, as long as you keep the default security settings in the latest version of Microsoft Office, most Microsoft Office documents (including Word, Excel etc.) are relatively safe, however it is VERY important to ensure that you get all updates and security patches that are released for these pieces of software.  Other types such as Adobe Acrobat files are also relatively safe.

Below is a complete list of file attachment types that will be blocked by Tradepoint because they are distinctly unsafe.  But note! If you don't know the person that sent you the file, or you were not expecting it, or you have any other question as to the validity of the file that you're receiving, DO NOT OPEN IT! Discretion is the better part of valor.

Note: Tradepoint DOES NOT block .zip, .rar or any other type of compressed files. This means that the files that are stored within the .zip, .rar or other types of compressed files could contain viruses. They should be scanned by your anti-virus software before using them.

Unsafe Attachment Types Blocked by Tradepoint:

.Exe (Executable Files)

.Bat (Batch Files)

.Sys (System Files)

.Dll (Dynamic Link Libraries)

.Ocx (Ole Client Extension files)

.Pif (Program Information Files - Windows 3.1 legacy)

.Vbs (Visual Basic Script Files - Very bad)

.Js (Java Script files - Very Bad)

.Com (Communication related executables)

.Inf (Information files)

.cmd (Windows 2000/XP/2003 etc. shell command window information)

.vb (.Net Visual Basic files)

.Vbe (Visual Basic for Office extension file)

.Jse (Java script extension file for Office)

.Lnk (A link that can open any other type of file)

.scr (Screen saver which is a special type of executable file)

.scf (Special screen saver)

.wsf (Windows script file)

.wsh (More windows script file types)

.prf (Preference file)

.msc (Microsoft Shell Console file)

.msi (Windows Installer Setup file)

.url (Similar to a link file, but used for the Internet. Can still run internal files)

.cpl (Control Panel executable file)

.chm (Help file which is basically a bunch of web pages)

.hlp (Windows help file)

.msp (Patch file for a windows installer based install program)

.mst (Another patch file for a windows installer based install program)

.bas (Quick Basic/Visual Basic module file)

.htm (HTML Document)

.html (HTML Document)

.mhtml (Embedded HTML Document)

This list will be updated as new file types are discovered that could cause problems and Tradepoint will automatically be updated for you with these new definitions.