Transactional and lifecycle mail share a brand, so one bad campaign can degrade password-reset delivery.
What email attachment and link security is#
Attachment and link security covers scanning files and URLs in inbound mail (sandboxing, detonation, URL rewriting and time-of-click checks) and safe handling policies for outbound content.
Why it matters#
Malicious attachments and links remain the main payload delivery method for ransomware and credential theft.
Implementation plan for SaaS companies#
- Block executable and macro-enabled attachment types at the gateway.
- Enable URL rewriting with time-of-click reputation checks.
- Sandbox unknown attachments before delivery.
- For outbound, prefer links to authenticated portals over attachments for sensitive files.
Priorities specific to SaaS companies#
Transactional and lifecycle mail share a brand, so one bad campaign can degrade password-reset delivery. Weight your effort toward the steps above that address this constraint first, and measure with metrics that match how SaaS companies generate value from email.
Common mistakes#
- Allow-listing partner domains and bypassing scanning entirely.
- Password-protected archives that evade scanning.
Frequently asked questions#
Are PDF attachments safe?
Mostly, but PDFs can carry scripts and phishing links. Sandboxing and link rewriting still apply.