Avoiding email viruses

The University uses tools to detect viruses and other malware on incoming email. Every week thousands of incoming emails containing malware are blocked before they reach the intended recipient, saving them from potential virus infections and the severe disruption they can cause. Also, specific types of email attachments which are often used to carry malware are blocked on incoming emails.

There are a number of layers of protection to help avoid infection, but in particular you should ensure that any device from which you are accessing email has a reliable, up-to-date virus protection program installed. However, these tools can not detect all malware, and some viruses get through, so you need to be aware of how to avoid accidentally infecting your computer in the way you use email.

The two main ways malware is transmitted through email is in attachments and links within the body of the email. See the malicious attachments and links pages for more information: