Blocking Email attachments

[Rodney M]

Because of the CryptoLocker Ransomware threat, I've blocked .rar, .zip, .bat, and .exe. Should anything else be blocked?

Using Outlook 2007

Thanks for any info!
Rod

[Welshjim]

Rodney M--This reference has a list of extensions
http://blog.malwarebytes.org/intelli...-need-to-know/

Note that the ones you mention are not on the list. Surprisingly .jpg is. It is possible CryptoLocker is using double file extensions.

But there may not be a need to block attachments. Rather download them and do not open them until you first scan them with antivirus and antimalware programs with latest definitions. Note the MalwareBytes link suggests you may need the Pro version, but it is not entirely clear whether that is pre- or post- infection. (Your email provider may also offer an automatic scan. )

[HAN]

At work, for attachments, I blocked all executables (including com, exe, scr, pif (which are the most common found spreading the virus)) and ALL compressed files (including rar, 7z and zip.)

Plus I really spent time talking to all PC users about not clicking on any links in email. I have read that some of Cryptolocker infections have been spread through phishing.