Attachment
Something appended to an email, usually in accordance with the MIME standard. Attachments are used, for example, to transfer Word files, pictures and html pages. Automatic execution of attachments in mail programs may lead to attacks concealed in the attachments being activated. This is frequently employed to disseminate macro-viruses or script viruses. So you should open attachments only when you are expecting an email with an attachment of this kind from the sender concerned. If you are in any doubt, it’s advisable to open the attachment on a test computer. It’s particularly problematical when mail programs are set to allow attachments to be executed automatically on the user’s computer without any query. Configurations of this kind are definitely to be avoided: they make things easier for attacks like Nymda, ILOVEYOU and Melissa!
