|
In January of 2008, Microsoft issued their latest patch to fix a security breach in Windows caused by HTML email.
As background, HTML formatted email allows for the rendering of graphics and photos along with headlines and text. E-newsletters and promotional email messages delivered to your email inbox are configured and can be read in either text-only mode or in HTML format.
Most corporate firewalls and browsers are configured so that HTML email is delivered and viewable in text mode making any graphics or photos visible only as empty boxes with a small red ‘x’ appearing in the corner of the box.
To read email in HTML format, a recipient must ‘agree to download’ the images for viewing. It is at this point that Windows machines are vulnerable. The images that you agree to download to your computer can contain malicious software that can view, change or destroy personal data.
According Brian Krebs of the Washington Post, in an article titled, Do Away with HTML Based Email,
|
“…sending email in HTML mode is just a bad idea all around, and these days, it’s a recipe for making sure the messages you send get caught in the recipient’s junk mail folders.” |
In addition to security concerns, HTML email is further impacted negatively by Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 7. This latest version of the popular IE browser (which comprises an 80% share of the corporate market), uses the Microsoft Word rendering engine to display HTML emails rather than the IE rendering engine. As a result, HTML email, viewed with IE 7, will not display to typical design standards – meaning your email may be garbled and difficult to read.
For a complete list on HTML design features that will and will not be supported, consult Microsoft’s Office Developer Center Technical Article entitled: Word 2007 HTML and CSS Rendering Capabilities in Outlook 2007.
|
Quantum Leap iTools give you the power to execute your integrated strategy with greater speed, accuracy and improved results. SmartLink, an alternative to HTML email, allows you to create unlimited email designs, personalized to each individual recipient. SmartLink is delivered as a web link, allowing you to deliver any digital content including rich media. Robust reports provide valuable insight into the interests of each recipient and the frequency of interactions with your communication. | |