File Security & Privacy

Check what a file can reveal before you share it

File privacy is not limited to what you can see on screen. Hidden files, executable content, macro-enabled documents, misleading extensions, and embedded metadata can all change the risk of opening or sharing a file. A quick inspection is useful when files come from an unfamiliar source or when a folder is being prepared for external delivery.

These checks are screening tools, not a replacement for antivirus software, sandboxing, or a formal security review. A normal-looking extension does not guarantee harmless content, and a flagged macro or executable may be legitimate in the right context. Use the result to decide what needs a closer look rather than treating a single signal as proof.

Practical tips

• Verify the real file type when a name uses double extensions or an extension that does not match its contents.
• Be cautious with macro-enabled office files from unexpected senders, even when the document itself looks familiar.
• Review hidden files before sending project folders; temporary files and system artifacts can reveal information you did not intend to share.
• Use allowlists for controlled workflows where only a known set of file types should be accepted.
• If a file appears suspicious, inspect it without executing it and use dedicated security software for the final assessment.