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Proofpoint, Inc.

Attachment Types Proofpoint Essentials Blocks By Default

Situation You have not received emails you were expecting, and they have been blocked by a General EXE block. Which attachments does Proofpoint Essentials block by default? 
Solution

By default, Proofpoint Essentials blocks executable file types as they can be malicious. This article lists the file types blocked and two ways you can circumvent the block to receive emails that are a necessary from a trusted sender by either:

  • Creating a custom filter

Attachment types blocked by default

Note

Proofpoint reserves the right to block attachment types not listed below in cases where a threat has been detected

File Type File Extension Description
Executable .exe "EXE is short for "executable," and it is the standard file extension used by Windows programs"1
Dynamic-Link Library .dll "A DLL file is a compiled library that contains a set of procedures and/or drivers that are referenced and executed by a Windows program"2
Batch File .bat "A BAT file is a DOS batch file used to execute commands with the Windows Command Prompt (cmd.exe)"3
Visual Basic .vb "A VB file is a project item file written in the Visual Basic language, an object-oriented programming language created by Microsoft for use with the .NET Framework. It contains Visual Basic instructions in ASCII text format."4
JavaScript .js "A JS file is a text file containing JavaScript code that is used to execute JavaScript instructions in web pages. It may include functions that open and close windows, validate form fields, enable rollover images, or create drop-down menus."5
COM File .com "A COM file is an executable program capable of being run by MS-DOS and Windows. It is saved in a binary format and is similar to an .EXE file, but differs in that it has a maximum size of roughly 64KB and it has no header or metadata."6

How to Bypass 

How to bypass the general block on the attachments listed above:-

  • Implement a custom filter to allow an attachment from a specified sender

Important

Before bypassing the general block on the above attachments, it is imperative that you verify its authenticity with the original sender.

Custom Filter 

  1. Navigate to Security Settings > Email > Filter Policies.
  2. Click New Filter.
  3. Give the filter an appropriate name.
  4. For Type, select Inbound
  5. Click Continue.
  6. Use the following conditions for your filter:

bypassexe.JPG

The above attachment is an example to allow .exe files. This will need to be changed based on the file extension you wish to allow, such as *.dll or *.vb