The Hidden Dangers of HTML Email
As a veteran Internet user, I can honestly say I remember a time
when HTML email was not possible. Back then RTF wasn't available
either and for that matter, email programs did not even wrap
lines for you or allow file attachments.
Today however, I receive a steady and annoying stream of email
in all shapes, colors and sizes. Almost all promotional
advertisements and many newsletters come in Html format.
Now, Spam is annoying, Spam in droves even more so, but Spam
with "twirlygigs" is intolerable -- and dangerous. HTML is for
websites. I visit them all the time and enjoy their various
amusements. Email however, is a tool. A communications method
used for getting work done. I get plenty of regular email,
hundreds of pieces a day usually, due to the support, consulting
and writing services I provide. If all of those emails are in
HTML format then I'm stuck looking at potentially hundreds of
web pages and thousands of graphics.
HTML email takes extra time to download, and for me it takes
extra time to read. You see I don't trust HTML email. I've coded
many websites in my day and I know that scripts can be hidden in
the pages. Now when you couple that fact with the daily news
about viruses and worms being sent, well that's just downright
scary, so I do not allow my email program to automatically open
HTML formatted email. Now I rarely use Outlook and Express
(sorry Microsoft but they feel just a bit too dangerous to me
now days) however I'd rather be safe than sorry no matter which
email program I use. So, I have my email software configured to
show all HTML messages as attachments.
Having the email converted to an attachment allows me to
immediately see if there are any other files included with the
message. And let me tell you, this has saved my butt time after
time! I've lost count of how many times I've gotten email with
the HTML attached, and malicious code, worms and viruses
attached right next to it. If my email program was configured to
"conveniently" display HTML as a web page, then a lot of those
attached files would have opened on their own and done who knows
what to my system.
So, if you receive a lot of email yourself, be careful what you
allow to come in. If you run a newsletter or Email update
service of any kind, please be courteous and at least ASK before
sending HTML formatted email. And when you do have permission to
send HTML email, don't include heavy graphics, scripts or other
file attachments.
Text may not be as glamorous, but it's a heck of a lot safer and
much easier for your readers to glance through.