Basic question on Gmail, Outlook security

system · 2007-02-19T12:07:04.000Z

Hi

Sorry to ask what is probably a dumb question. I was browsing around here and saw people posting about Gmail and SSL and Outlook and Stunnel. I am not technical, so now I have a question.

If I download my gmail to my outlook on my desktop (Windows XP Home) and have the Avast 4 home, does that mean that the gmail email is NOT being scanned for viruses, and therefore I am at risk?

If I am at risk, is there a simpler solution than installing Stunnel, which frankly looks beyond me. For example if I were to stop downloading to outlook and simply do my gmail on the gmail site, is that safer?

Thank you,

Bluesman · 2007-02-19T12:27:14.000Z

tre1911 post:1:

Hi

Sorry to ask what is probably a dumb question. I was browsing around here and saw people posting about Gmail and SSL and Outlook and Stunnel. I am not technical, so now I have a question.

If I download my gmail to my outlook on my desktop (Windows XP Home) and have the Avast 4 home, does that mean that the gmail email is NOT being scanned for viruses, and therefore I am at risk?

If I am at risk, is there a simpler solution than installing Stunnel, which frankly looks beyond me. For example if I were to stop downloading to outlook and simply do my gmail on the gmail site, is that safer?

Thank you,

According to Rumpelstiltskin in this message, GMail is using their own antivirus-solution to scan the messages

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=26654.msg217996#msg217996

And if you want to use avast! to scan the gmail-messages you must use stunnel.

More info from the Gmail-site:

[i]How does anti-virus scanning work?
Gmail automatically scans every attachment when it’s delivered to your account, and again each time you open a message. Attachments you send are also scanned. Checking attachments for viruses protects our users and their information, and prevents the spread of viruses.

If a virus is found in an attachment you’ve received, our system will attempt to clean the file, so you can still access the information it contains. If the virus can’t be removed from the file, you won’t be able to download it.

If our system is unable to scan certain files, you’ll see an error reading ‘Oops… the virus scanner has a problem right now.’ You’ll have the option to try again later or to download at your own risk. Please note that if Gmail can’t scan the contents of the file, we can’t guarantee that it’s safe to view.

If an attachment you’re trying to send is infected with a virus, Gmail will display an error message to tell you, but it won’t clean the file. To send the message without that attachment, click the link in that error message that says ‘Remove attachment and send.’

If Gmail detects that you’re trying to send an infected attachment, we suggest running your anti-virus software in case your hard drive is infected. If you don’t have anti-virus software, you might consider purchasing/installing one of the popular applications so you can protect your computer and information from viruses. The free Google Pack comes with leading anti-virus and anti-spyware applications – you can find out more at the Google Pack homepage[/I]

XMAS · 2007-02-19T12:41:31.000Z

Hello and Welcome tre1911

Actually what Bluesman said is true, but…if you are using Outlook for your mail client avast! can scan your mail without Stunnel . For Outlook mail scanning avast! is using the Outlook/Exchange provider, which is working as a plug-in for Outlook and thus avast! is working inside the mail client and is able to scan the mails (even SSL connections, like gmail), automatically

Bluesman · 2007-02-19T12:44:15.000Z

XMAS post:3:

but…if you are using Outlook for your mail client avast! can scan your mail without Stunnel .

DOH…yeah…my fault, I was just thinking about Outlook Express…

* Bluesman gets some stronger glasses

DavidR · 2007-02-19T14:51:52.000Z

I think we need to wait for confirmation what email client tre1911 is using.

I was browsing around here and saw people posting about Gmail and SSL and Outlook and Stunnel.

Since this quote talks of gmail, ssl, outlook and stunnel, we know that the outlook referred to in these posts is Outlook Express. So we need this confirmation, don’t order the stronger glasses just yet ;D

system · 2007-02-20T07:57:55.000Z

Hello

I am using the full Outlook, that comes with Microsoft office suite.

Thank you for your help. Very kind, and appreciated.

alanrf · 2007-02-20T08:35:27.000Z

If you are using Outlook (at least a modern version of it - after Office 2000) then it is recommended that you use the avast Outlook plugin. If you use the plugin then Outlook will pass each message to avast for validation before it is added to the message store (and it has nothing whatsoever to do with the type of connection you have from Outlook to the message server). It is not scanning the connection; this is a program level connection between Outlook and avast.

This way you can forget all about STunnel.

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