Original publication date: June, 2002

Softshare MailGuard Protects Your Mailbox

Softshare recently implemented a new network feature, called Softshare MailGuard, that blocks potentially harmful attachments. Because of their ability to carry computer viruses, e-mail messages containing attachments with any of these 12 file types will not be allowed to reach your Softshare mailbox.

Extension Filename
.bat Batch command file
.cmd Windows NT/2000 command script
.com Binary executable file
.eml Electronic mail message (Microsoft Outlook Express)
.exe Binary executable file
.js JavaScript file
.jvs JavaScript file
.pif Program information file
.scr Screen saver file
.shs Windows scrap file
.sys System file (executable)
.vbs Visual Basic script file

When Softshare MailGuard blocks a message on your behalf, you will receive an e-mail titled “Softshare MailGuard Notification.” This notification e-mail will identify the blocked message (sender, recipient, date, and subject) and explain why the message was blocked.

If you want to download a message that Softshare MailGuard has blocked, you can still do so using the Mailbox Management tool available at eService, as described in the notification e-mail. But, be very cautious about doing this, even when you recognize the message’s sender. Many viruses can generate and send e-mail messages to all addresses in an infected computer’s address book, effectively disguising themselves as coming from a trusted source. When in doubt about a blocked message’s validity, contact the sender before you download it.