How do I run a malware check on an attachment of email BEFORE downloading it?

Virus Total > https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload

OK, so if I get an email, how do I run its attachment through without downloading it? I would have to download and save it to run it through VirusTotal. I'm not understanding.

Edited by NotTechie2, 22 March 2022 - 10:28 AM.

I figured it out. Thanks for your recommendation.

Mind expanding on how that works?

How do you upload an email attachment to Virus Total without first downloading the email?

Your welcome 

Edited by ET_Explorer, 23 March 2022 - 12:11 PM.

And, if I may, until NotTechie2 comes along, there is an article on Use Email to scan files on Virustotal.

Good luck!

Mind expanding on how that works?

 

How do you upload an email attachment to Virus Total without first downloading the email?

You need to download it, but you don't "save" or "open" it. Once you do the download, go to "Browse" in Virus Total, and then get to FILE EXPLORER > DOWNLOAD and select the file from there. It uploads to Virus Total and scans it. So, you do have to download it, but you don't need to save or open it. I did not know about Virus Total, so I did other things.

I did an INSPECT. (I would do that too if it comes back clean from Virus Total and you still think there could be a virus or coding.) I found they were giving me a hidden plugin and changing my settings in my browser. I sent the email to my anti-virus company, and they gave me a utility to check my computer and so on. But, I never even downloaded it as I did an inspection. However, I fear my PREVIEW of the file did release the coding or another email they sent with an image where all I did was open it.

Anyway, I deleted Chrome browser, reset FF, and extensions went away, and I loaded the extensions I did want AND on FF blocked my mic and autoplay AGAIN as these are what they opened up. (I think, as I believe I did have these settings blocked.)

If you find your file is infected, use a file shredder to get rid of it.

I tried the email option, but it didn't work. I got no results back. So, I was a little confused. I used the FORWARD option on the suspect email, I did not create a new email, as I didn't want the file on my computer even via a download at that point.

Edited by NotTechie2, 23 March 2022 - 12:45 PM.

You need to download it, but you don't "save" or "open" it. Once you do the download, go to "Browse" in Virus Total, and then get to FILE EXPLORER > DOWNLOAD and select the file from there. It uploads to Virus Total and scans it. So, you do have to download it, but you don't need to save or open it. I did not know about Virus Total, so I did other things.

Could you scan that document or attachment you download... with kaspersky total?  Or would that not work?  So how accurate is virustotal?

Shouldn't kaspersky total or other AV scan much thoroughly than viruscan?  Or you can't use an AV for that?  Also... you download any file or attachment but do not open the document... your computer is still safe?  Can others confirm this?  Heard years ago about some programs that are downloaded and it then auto opens itself.  Are those exe files or something else?

Virustotal browser extension let you scan a fle before downloading it.

https://support.virustotal.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002700745-Browser-Extensions

I got this from wolverine in another thread right here on Bleeping.

 

To run a malware check on an email attachment before downloading it, you can utilize antivirus software that integrates with your email client. Ensure your antivirus settings are configured to scan attachments automatically upon receipt. This allows for preemptive detection and elimination of potential threats before the file is downloaded. This proactive approach enhances security by preventing the need to download files first and then perform a check.

 

ChatGPT/LLM to the rescue!

@rufusbucher, this thread is 2 years old.

Generally, there's no need to revive such abandoned topics.

But welcome to BC!