Certified Internet Web (CIW) Professional Practice Exam

What is a likely reason for unreceived important files sent via email?

1. Files were sent without proper encryption.

2. The email server was down during transmission.

3. Messages were automatically redirected to a spam folder.

4. The email client was not configured correctly.

The correct answer is: Messages were automatically redirected to a spam folder.

The likelihood of important files not being received is significantly increased when messages are automatically redirected to a spam folder. This can happen when the email system's filters identify the email as potentially unwanted or suspicious based on various criteria, such as the sender's email address, subject line, or content. When this redirection occurs, the intended recipient may overlook the email entirely, not realizing the important files are waiting for them in the spam or junk folder. For someone who relies heavily on email for communication, it is crucial to regularly check spam folders and adjust filter settings to ensure that legitimate correspondence is received. This issue is quite common, particularly with organizations that have strict email security policies in place, which are designed to minimize the risks of phishing attacks and malware. Proper awareness and management of these filters can prevent such mishaps.