Anti-virus scanner added to Google Gmail

[edesignuk]

Google has introduced an anti-virus scanning service to Gmail. Each time users send and receive attachments, Gmail will automatically scan them for viruses. It's unclear whether Google developed the technology in-house (highly unlikely) or licensed it from a security firm, much less who that firm might be.

Gmail previously blocked the transmission of executable attachments but adding anti-virus scanning allows the service to keep up with its competitors on user security. Yahoo! Mail uses Symantec software to scan for viruses. Hotmail, which has offered anti-virus scanning for some time, licenses its technology from Trend Micro.

The use of anti-virus scanning software by email providers is good for internet hygiene, especially since the fast-spreading Sober worm is currently accounting for a sizeable slice of net traffic, but shouldn't be regarded as a substitute for desktop security software. These days malware is almost as likely to be offered up as a download from maliciously constructed websites or across network shares as appearing in user's email in-boxes. ®

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/12/02/gmail_anti-virus_scanner/

 

[Abstract]

I actually thought Gmail had this already. I thought all email services did, so now that I find out that they're just introducing it now, it isn't really THAT exciting.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Well, you apparently find pooh exciting, so I'll take your opinion with a grain of salt.

I use my Gmail account quite a bit nowadays, so this is good news for me. Sending an email worm to friends and family is not a good holiday gift idea.

 

[2nyRiggz]

great news in fact. i use my gmail account all the time now. excellent.


Bless

 

[EricNau]

I really don't care, I have a Mac

 

[apple_g5]

I really don't care, I have a Mac

That's exactly what came to my mind!

 

[rdowns]

I really don't care, I have a Mac

But does everyone you forward emails to have one?

 

[PlaceofDis]

yay! maybe this is why gmail has been so slow sending my attachments as of late?

 

[kwajo.com]

good stuff! now if only they didn't scan the content of me emails....

 

[dotdotdot]

It sucks that you can't turn it off OR send .exe files...

 

[EricNau]

My "Gmail notifier" has been acting up lately, not wanting to bring me to my inbox, saying I'm not connected to the internet, etc.
Could this be related?