Attachments

Use Google Drive instead of attachments
 

You can store a document in Google Drive and then share it instead of sending it as an attachment. You can allow other users of Google Drive to view, comment on, or even edit the document if you wish. For details, see Google Drive Space at NC State. See also Don't share sensitive information (below).

If you must use attachments:

Ask before you send.

Make sure that the recipient is interested in receiving an email attachment. The prevalence of viruses and other electronic threats makes this risky, and some recipients won't open any attachment unless they know it's safe.

Make sure the recipient can open the attachment.

Most email programs make it easy to attach a binary file (e.g., image, word processing document) to an email message. However, such a file may not transfer successfully, and the recipient must have software that will open it.

Executable files are prohibited.

For security reasons, you cannot attach executable files (those with extensions such as .exe, .com, .bat, .pif) to your campus email messages, nor can you receive them as attachments. Hackers and phishers often use such files to gain control of your computer or steal personal information.  If you need to send an executable file, see VelocityThis link will open in a new window .

Keep attachments small.

The size limit for an email message at NC State is 25 megabytes (MB). This includes the email's text, any attachments, and the necessary encoding, which increases the message size by approximately one-third. For example, a 3 MB message would increase to 4 MB. If your attachment is more than a few MB, e.g., a video or a large group of photos, put the file on your Web site or send it by secure file transfer . Emailing files is convenient, but it's also the most bandwidth-wasting and least reliable way to send them.

Don't share sensitive information.

To prevent electronic theft, including identity theft, be especially careful not to send personally identifiable information (e.g., passwords, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, medical records). For more information on handling sensitive data, see Rules & Regulations Under Review.