File Type Filters
Blocking file types for safety
It makes sense for enterprise to block unwanted file types before they impact the network, possibly resulting in increased data costs and/or exposing IT infrastructure to risk.
If you don't know how your employees use your email system then effective management of file types is difficult. To find out, an email audit can identify what's being downloaded and what should be blocked or managed in other ways.
Firstwave's Enterprise Specific Protection (ESP™) will allow you to block and/or temporarily store a range of attachment types in the internet 'cloud' before they utilise scarce network resources or impact on productivity.
These emails can then be downloaded by an administrator at a later time after review.
There are many reasons why companies opt to block or delay certain file types. For example:
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Executable programs are blocked by most companies as a matter of course because of the inherent risk they pose.
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Large files such as audio, video or image files may be for private use, but downloading them can saturate scarce resources such as the download link. Some companies only download these files out of hours.
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Companies pay for the amount of data downloaded and/or stored, so personal download content can be an expensive and hard-to-control employee 'perk'.
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Storage of large files is expensive and may involve multiple recipients, so if one staff member forwards a large file to 10 or 20 colleagues who all save a copy, there is a price to pay.
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Data stored in email systems can impact on email archiving costs.
ESP™ features
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The administrator can apply filters based on file type or mime type for the whole company, for mail domains or for individual mailboxes.
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Filters can be turned on or off using a simple web interface.
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Filters are activated within minutes of setup.
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Filtered messages can be quarantined and made available for review through the web interface.
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Comprehensive statistics and reporting are available online or through email.
