What is a primary goal when scanning incoming emails for viruses?

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Prepare for the MTA Security Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification test!

A primary goal when scanning incoming emails for viruses is to decrease the chances of virus infection. This process involves analyzing email attachments and embedded links for known malware signatures or suspicious behavior. By implementing an effective email scanning mechanism, organizations can mitigate the risk of malware entering their systems, which can lead to data breaches, system disruptions, and various other security threats.

Email is a common vector for the distribution of viruses and malware, making it critical to proactively scan and filter these threats before they reach users' inboxes. This defensive strategy helps protect sensitive information and maintain overall system integrity, ensuring that users can safely interact with email communications.

While verifying sender legitimacy, maintaining high server speed, and ensuring message trustworthiness are important aspects of email security, they do not directly contribute to the primary goal of preventing virus infections. These aspects might enhance the overall security posture and user experience but are secondary to the main objective of blocking harmful content from reaching users.