Is it bad to include direct .exe download links in emails and what are the alternatives?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from SuperOffice advises against sending executable files due to security risks and spam filters. Suggests alternatives like linking to the file hosted on a secure website.
Email marketer from EmailToolTester warns against using executable attachments due to security concerns and suggests using cloud storage links as a more secure alternative.
Email marketer from Neil Patel's Blog advises against directly including executables due to security concerns and suggests linking to a landing page instead, which builds trust and offers better tracking.
Email marketer from Gmass highlights that including executable attachments in mass emails is a surefire way to get flagged as spam. They advise linking to the content instead.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that including .exe files will almost certainly land your email in the spam folder due to security concerns, and advises using a download page on your website instead.
Email marketer from Email Geeks does not recommend including a direct link to a .exe file in an email. It's better to host the download link on a webpage instead, explaining that spam filters often analyze links in emails, and the perceived risk is higher with .exe files. Additionally, redirecting users to a website inspires more confidence.
Email marketer from StackExchange explains that attaching executables will almost always be blocked by email providers and recommends hosting the file on a website.
Email marketer from HubSpot shares that attaching executables can negatively impact sender reputation and deliverability, so suggest hosting the file on a secure server and linking to it from the email.
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign says that sending executable files will result in the email landing in spam and recommends using a download page instead.
Email marketer from Mailchimp explains that sending executable files (.exe) is generally not recommended due to security risks and spam filters. Suggests alternatives like linking to the file hosted on a secure website.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks states that including a .exe file in an email is very bad and likely to get blocked, modified, or stripped before reaching the inbox. Also mentions file size limitations.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that, in general, systems are configured to block executables, and it is not a good idea to send .exe files via email due to the high risk of malware.
Expert from Email Geeks says that there is a 100% chance the email will get blocked and also suggests a landing page lets you track downloads, provide instructions, support multiple platforms, and optionally require authentication.
Expert from Email Geeks suggests there should be a landing page rather than a direct link to an executable and states the landing page can include installation instructions, hashes of the executable, and that sort of thing too.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Microsoft explains that many email clients block executable attachments due to security vulnerabilities and the potential for spreading malware. Hosting the file on a trusted server and providing a download link is advised.
Documentation from RFC Editor recommends against transmitting executable content directly via email due to the inherent security risks involved with malicious code distribution.
Documentation from OWASP explains the security risks associated with allowing users to upload executable files, and also extends to sending them via email. The best practice is to avoid direct uploads/attachments of executables.
Documentation from IETF highlights security considerations when dealing with email attachments, advising against direct inclusion of executable files to minimize risks.