Come February 13, and millions of Gmail users across the world will not be able to send ‘.js’ files as attachments. The search giant Google announced this on its G Suite Updates blog. According to the company, ‘.js’ files are increasingly being used to spread malware. “Gmail currently restricts certain file attachments (e.g. .exe, .msc, and .bat) for security reasons, and starting on February 13, 2017, we will not allow .js file attachments as well. Similar to other restricted file attachments, you will not be able to attach a .js file and an in-product warning will appear…,” said the company in the blog post.
The blog post also mentions that for inbound mails, the senders will be receiving a bounce message explaining them why the mail was blocked and was not sent. The blog further adds that those who really need to send ‘.js’ files can use Google Drive, Google Cloud Storage, or other storage solutions to share or send their files. While attaching a javascript file users will get a message saying that “There are a number of reasons why you may see the ‘This message was blocked because its content presents a potential security issue’ error in Gmail. Gmail blocks messages that may spread viruses, like messages that include executable files or certain links.” Gmail currently restricts other file formats including .ade, .adp, .bat, .chm, .cmd, .com, .cpl, .exe, .hta, .ins, .isp, .jar, .jse, .lib, .lnk, .mde, .msc, .msp, .mst, .pif, .scr, .sct, .shb, .sys, .vb, .vbe, .vbs, .vxd, .wsc, .wsf and .wsh.a
You cannot send this type of attachment from Gmail after February 13
