Author Topic: Why did my document attachment to an email get a danger warning? (Read 1696 times)

Sooz · « **on:** January 24, 2019, 03:02:59 AM »

I have a degree in English, and spent my career as a teacher for secondary school special ed students with mild to moderate disabilities, so I was helping a friend with an outline, which is why I attached a document to my email to her. Why on earth did she get this warning about my attachment when she opened her email? Thanks!
Smiles,
Sooz

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #1 on:** January 24, 2019, 09:32:49 AM »

First, did you create the file or send a copy you had downloaded previously and what was the file suffix?

Second, it depends on whether it is a valid warning or not. What kind of PC is she using?

Third, since you used a Mac, it may have another, small, un-needed (by her OS) file attached.

Forth, it may be that some of the words un the document may have triggered the warning. If she has any control over that list it might help her to modify it.

Sooz · « **Reply #2 on:** January 24, 2019, 10:06:34 AM »

Thanks, Jim! I created the file based on some info she sent me in an email. I have no idea what kind of PC she uses, but I'm pretty sure it's not a Mac.

? Small, unneeded file attached? I did include some sources, i.e. websites, embedded in the outline.

Trigger words...hmmmm, maybe? like BBB and vice squad? lol

Thanks for your input!!

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #3 on:** January 24, 2019, 07:18:41 PM »

Quote

Small, unneeded file

Like ".DS_Store" or ".localized" or any other file that the OS may have laying around. You may not even see them if you haven't set "Show invisible files".

"Suspicious words" can be almost anything, you may have seen 'normal' words show up underlined or red in an email you are writing just because combined with other words they could be related to hate speech or derogatory uses.

Quote

I attached a document

BTW, you didn't mention the suffix of that attachment...

krissel · « **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2019, 01:33:51 AM »

Some ISPs are rather aggressive with trying to "protect" their customers and will flag emails with attachments that include links. Since a lot of spammers send such attachments, your email fit the parameters and they added a warning.

Don't take it personally.

Sooz · « **Reply #5 on:** January 25, 2019, 01:59:06 PM »

Jim, the suffix was .docx

"Show invisible files" ? How would I even get invisible files or know that I have them? (it's probably better that you don't answer this... I *really* don't need to know)

Krissel, I did have a couple of links to doggie websites ... maybe there is an issue with that, i.e. dogs taking over the world!

Thanks again!!!!
Smiles,
Sooz

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #6 on:** January 25, 2019, 03:50:29 PM »

Quote

Quote
How would I even get invisible files or know that I have them?
Sorry, I don't think Finder allows that. It's a simple setting in PathFinder. And I think the utility Cocktail or OnyX has a setting, also. Finder does have a pref for showing the suffix, which it sounds like you already have that turned ON. Finder-Prefs->Advanced->"Show all file name extensions"

Of course the Finder allows showing invisible files!! No need for third party software to do that...

Various ways - temporary, or permanent until turned off again, all spelled out here:

https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/mac-software/show-hidden-files-mac-3520878/

Most people probably don't want invisible files showing - there are quite a few of them and 99.99% of the time they're not something you need, and they just clutter up your Finder when you're looking for other things. I have them showing - the first method in the article (Go to Mac HD in Finder, hit command+shift+. (dot)) works a treat and all you have to do to turn visibility off is hit that key sequence again. I DO like having my Library folder visible at all times, but that's me.

News: