Gmail to start blocking JavaScript attachements
Google has announced that Gmail will soon start blocking any emails that have JavaScript attachments. The IT giant stated that for the past two years, .JS files have been the biggest source of malware distribution, so this measure will help make the email service a lot safer, especially for inexperienced users. The change will go into effect on the 13th of February, so after that date all those who need to share JavaScript files will have to do so via Google Drive.
As far as I'm concerned this is actually a good idea, especially since Google's cloud storage service offers an easy-to-use alternative for sending JavaScript files. Furthermore, Gmail is already blocking quite a few formats known for being used in malware distribution such as .BAT, .EXE, .COM or .PIF and I didn't see too many people complaining about them, so .JS will be just another addition to the list.
In case you're wondering what makes JavaScript files so dangerous, it's the fact that they're generally used to download other malware on the victim's PC, especially ransomware. The code can be easily obfuscated, which makes it very hard to spot and since the Windows Script Host service can execute the files directly, they're also very hard to stop.
If Gmail is your favorite email service, you may also want to read some of our other articles related to this topic such as: "Make Gmail work better for you", "Hidden Gmail functions that you should know about" or "How to send self-destructing emails from your Gmail account".
