It is possible to send or receive a file that is listed as a blocked attachment type. Note that UBC IT does not recommend or support the transmission of blocked attachment types through email. Consider sending these types of attachments through alternative solutions such as Workspace, network drives (e.g. TeamShare), and SharePoint. The information offered here is for informational purposes only.
The file must be sent as an encrypted archive file. The instructions below assume that you are running Windows or Linux and that both the sender and recipient have 7zip installed. 7zip is available to use for VDI users and if your computer is on the EAD domain, it is available in the Software Centre. Otherwise, it is also available at http://www.7-zip.org/download.html.
Windows
- Open 7zip
- Navigate to the file that you wish to encrypt.
- Click Add
- In the "Archive" field, enter a file name for the archive.
- In the "Archive format" field , select "7z" from the drop-down menu.
- In the "Encryption" section, enter a password for the archive and re-enter it in the fields provided.
- In the "Encryption method" field, select "AES-256" from the drop-down menu. Ensure "Encrypt file names" is checked.
- Click Ok to create the archive.
- Send the password to the recipient using a method other than email. E.g. phone call, SMS text, instant message, etc. It is not acceptable to send the password for an encrypted email attachment via email.
Linux
At the Linux command line, enter:
$7z a -p{Password} [...]
MacOS
The Keka file compression utility can be used to create encrypted archives on MacOS. Navigate to the Keka website for more information.
