Windows 7: Windows Live Mail and Security

A few months ago I posted in the Mail forum about a possible security risk. We have a lot of new members, now, and its time to repost.

Windows Live Mail has a built in security flaw, it allows you to view your email, even before it is opened. The top pane shows the regular information, sender, time, etc, but in the bottom pane, the actual email is opened and can be read.

Go to view, and eliminate that bottom pane. We all know that we should not open email that we do not recognize, well that bottom pane opens it for us, allowing all kinds of nasties into our expensive computers.

I think enough said.

Is your email system secure against email viruses and attacks?
The most deadly viruses, able to cripple your email system and corporate network in minutes, are being distributed worldwide via email in a matter of hours (for example, the LoveLetter virus). Email worms and viruses can reach your system and infect your users through harmful attachments. But that's not all! Some viruses are transmitted through harmless-looking email messages and can run automatically without the need for user intervention (like the Nimda virus). Are you covered against such threats
http://www.gfi.com/emailsecuritytest/

I don't get it. Unless I'm wrong, in it's default state, WinMail or Windows Live Mail does not open pictures, files or attachments. It's user initiated

The actual email is opened. Does not have to be the attachment that creates the problem.

Thanks richc46, changed my settings now, why would M$ do this in the first place? Seems a big step back in security, you'd think they'd wanna prevent this sort of malware distribution.

Dont know. I learned about this problem with Outlook Express in the year 2000

TY for the rep Gilly, but what really makes me happy is that you have taken the warning seriously. It would be a crime if we have all the security software and then just open the door and let these nasties in.

rich, do you have any more info/links on this?

The only link that I have is in my head. Corrine will come by soon, if I am wrong she is not shy, she will let me know.

Great Info Rich ! To be honest i never thought about this thanks for posting it here.

- Captain

OK thanks, I'm really interested in this. Is there a post about it on Wilders?