Configure Outlook Express
Email programs often use the HyperText Markup Language (HTML) feature to enhance the beauty and content of emails. However, the use of HTML has caused two vulnerabilities for email:
To reduce the risks posed by that problem. Outlook Express has outlined the following features:
•
Plain text mode . This feature provides you with an option to display email messages as plain text (no format, no image, just plain text) instead of HTML. That way it is possible to block access to links that can be used for dangerous purposes.
•
Do not download extended HTML content . This default feature prevents the verification of an existing email address with the spam originator because it does not allow the use of extended links. This feature also minimizes a common problem for computers using network connection dialers. Any attempt to view HTML messages with any extended content will cause the dial-up modem to not download the expanded content.
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Manager attached Attachment Manager . Outlook Express will call Attachment Manager when you receive email attachments. If an attachment is considered safe, Outlook Express makes it suitable by displaying safe images and allowing you to open secure attachments. If an attachment is found to be unsafe, for example an executable program, Attachment Manager will lock it so you cannot open it as usual. You will see a message. Attachments of this type include executable files (.exe), screensaver files (.scr) and script files (.vbs). If the security of the attachment is not well defined, you will receive a warning when it moves, saves, opens or prints the file.
Note : Microsoft Windows Messenger and Internet Explorer also use Attachment Manager to manage email attachments and Internet downloads. These programs and their components may be affected by these settings changes.
When saving files to a hard drive from a program using Attachment Manager, Web content area information for files is also saved with the file.
To configure Outlook Express you must perform the following procedure:
The request to perform
Important : You must be logged in as a member of the user group
Note : You do not need to log in as a member of the administrator security group
Activate Plain Text mode
To activate Text mode
first.
Click Start , point to All Programs , and then click Outlook Express .
2.
In Outlook Express , click Tools > Options , then select the Read tab.
Figure 19: Mail read options in Outlook Express
3.
In the Reading Messages section select Read all messages in plain text , then click Apply .
4.
Click the Send tab
Figure 20: Mailing options in Outlook Express
5.
Make sure in Mail Sending Format and News Sending Format choose Plain Text , then click OK .
Use security options to configure Outlook Express to manage attachments
The default settings of security options are all necessary for most users.
To use security options to configure Outlook Express to manage attachments.
first.
In Outlook Express, click Tools, then click Options and select Security .
Figure 21: Outlook Express security options
2.
To enable the default settings, under Virus Protection you choose these options:
3.
To activate the default settings, under Download Images select this option:
Block images and other external content print HTML email
( Lock images and other extended content in HTML email )
4.
Click OK.
Verify the Outlook Express settings are applied
To verify the Outlook Express settings are applied
first.
Click Start , select All Programs , and then click Outlook Express .
2.
In Outlook Express , click Tools > Options , then select the Read tab.
3.
Verify that Read all messages is in plain text selected and then select the Send tab
4.
Verify that in the Mail Sending Format area and News Sending Format have Plain Text selected and then select the Security tab
5.
Under Virus Protection choose options:
6.
Under Download Images select the option:
Block images and other external content print HTML email
( Lock images and other extended content in HTML email )
7.
Click OK .
8.
Close Outlook Express
Part IV: Configuring Wireless Network Security