Security programs on a computer or device, such as Malwarebytes almost always have an option to scan an individual file or folder for viruses or other types of malware.  This is in addition to downloading updates to protect against recently discovered security issues, running scheduled scans of all or part of the device, and using "real-time" protection to block malware that may attempt to infect the device through your general Internet connection or programs like your email client and web browser.

The steps here will help with saving an email attachment to your computer and scanning it with commonly used security programs. If the instructions do not work, please look at your security program's instructions, which are usually found within the program itself as help files or on the vendor's website.

Download and Scan An Email Attachment for Malware

Always make sure your security program has received recent updates to protect your computer/device from recent malware. Open the security program from your list of apps and look for an option to update definitions or run a live update; if you are not sure please look at the program's help files or website for instructions. Scanning a file without having updated information about recent malware means the security program will not detect newer forms and put your computer at risk.

1. Save the attachment to your computer without running or otherwise opening it.
   • Look for a Download or Save button, link, or menu near the attachment(s) when viewing the email. If you have problems finding these in your CUIMC email program, login to Web Outlook and you should see the same Download links as shown in the image below.
   • If prompted by your email program or browser, make sure you select options to Save or Download the attachment.  Do NOT select any prompts to Run or Save and Run.
2. If prompted, select a location on your computer (Documents folder, desktop, etc.) to save the attachment.  If you are not prompted, there is probably a Download folder on your computer that was used to automatically save the attachment.
3. Find the saved attachment on your computer and right-click on it to bring up a menu (Macintosh users may need to press Control/Ctrl on your keyboard while clicking).
4. In the menu that appears, select Scan for Viruses or Scan with <name of your security program>.
5. When the scan completes (usually a few moments depending on the attachment size) you should see a message from your security program that shows whether it found any risks.
   • If it did, it may automatically remove or quarantine the file. Follow prompts from the security program to delete or otherwise completely remove the file from your computer.
   • If no risks are found, and you are sure you properly scanned the file with an updated, valid security program, the file is safe to open.

If you are at all unsure or need assistance please contact your Certified IT staff before opening or downloading an email attachment.