Are MSG Files Safe or Dangerous? Learn How to Stay Protected

  

Mark Regan
Published: May 15th, 2025 • 5 Min Read

Overview: Received a file with a .msg extension and want to know are msg files safe? You’re not alone.MSG files are standard email file formats use by Microsoft Outlook. However, they can also use to spread malicious content. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what .MSG files are, potential risks, and how to safely open them.

What is a MSG File?

Ever seen a file that ends in .msg and thought, “What’s this?” It is actually just a saved email from Microsoft Outlook These files include everything in an email:

• The subject line
• Who sent it and who it’s to
• The date and time
• The actual message
• Any attachments

A MSG file is a type of file create by Microsoft Outlook. It is use to save a single email message so you can keep it or share it outside of Outlook program. These files store all important details of an email in one place.

Are MSG Files Safe or Dangerous?

MSG files themselves are not inherently dangerous they are just email files create by Microsoft Outlook to store individual messages. However, like any email file they can contain harmful content which is depend on what’s inside.

When MSG Files Are Safe?

• The file is from a trusted sender.
• It is open easily using Microsoft Outlook without any error or difficulty.
• It contain only plain text or HTML content without any suspicious links or attachments.

When MSG Files Can Be Dangerous?

• When someone sent MSG file from an unknown or suspicious source .
• Some times MSG Files includes phishing links or spam content in the email body.
• In the situation when MSG file contain malicious attachments (e.g., EXE, ZIP, or macro-enabled Word/Excel files).

Overall, MSG files are generally safe but their contents can pose risks. Always be cautious especially if the file is unexpected or from an untrusted source.

How Risky Is to Click MSG Files Attachments

Open MSG file attachments can be dangerous if it come from unknown or suspicious sources. While MSG files are often use to save Outlook email messages these files can also contain harmful elements like malicious attachments, phishing links or embedded scripts. MSG files are frequently used by attackers to sneak malicious content past security filters and deceive users.

Here are key risks to watch for

• Malicious Attachments: Embedded .exe, .docm, or script files can install malware.
• Phishing Attempts: Some MSG files contain fake emails or links to phishing sites.
• Hidden Scripts: Exploits or HTML scripts may run through vulnerabilities in Outlook.
• Security Bypass: Nested .MSG files can sometimes evade antivirus scanning tools.

Always scan MSG files with antivirus software or extract MSG files attachments separately and never open them if the source is uncertain to ensure maximum safety.

How to Check Are MSG Files Safe or Dangerous?

If you receive a MSG file and are unsure whether it is safe to open. First it is important to inspect carefully before click on any suspicious MSG file. Mostly not all MSG files are harmful but some may contain malicious attachments or phishing content designed to trick you. Opening such files without safety can put your system and data at risk.

Conclusion

MSG files themselves are not dangerous they can pose a significant risk if they contain malicious attachments, phishing links or hidden scripts. To protect your data always take care and don’t click MSG files directly when read MSG files in your system particularly from unfamiliar or suspicious sources. Use tools that are mention above in the blog which allow to safely view and convert files into non-interactive format to reduce risk of harmful content. With these safety measures you can handle MSG files without compromising data security.