--- title: Malicious Content Detection on Ideascale description: IdeaScale ensures a secure upload process by scanning all files for malicious content. If any malicious content is detected, the user will receive an error message as shown below, and the upload will --- [Skip to content](https://help.ideascale.com/malicious-content-detection#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [![IdeaScale](https://help.ideascale.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ideascale-logo.png?width=223&height=31&name=ideascale-logo.png)](https://help.ideascale.com/?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Go to ideascale.com](https://ideascale.com/) [Go to ideascale.com](https://ideascale.com/) Hi!👋 How can we help you today? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [IdeaScale Support Center](https://help.ideascale.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Manage Workspace](https://help.ideascale.com/manage-workspace?hsLang=en) 3. [Security](https://help.ideascale.com/manage-workspace?hsLang=en#security) # Malicious Content Detection on Ideascale | What is Malicious Content Detection? | | --- | | Malicious Content Detection is IdeaScale's automated file-scanning security measure that identifies and blocks files containing known malicious signatures during the upload process. | IdeaScale ensures a secure upload process by scanning all files for malicious content. If malicious content is detected in an uploaded file, the file is blocked, an error message is displayed, and the upload does not complete. --- ### Role Permissions 1. **Workspace Administrator:** File scanning applies automatically to all uploads and requires no configuration. Receives an email notification when malicious content is detected, allowing further action to be taken if necessary.  2. **All Other Roles (Administrators, Moderators & Members):** Receive an error message if their file contains malicious content. --- **TABLE OF CONTENTS** [Automatic File Scanning](https://help.ideascale.com/malicious-content-detection#auto-file-scan) [Upload Error Message](https://help.ideascale.com/malicious-content-detection#error-message) [Administrator Email Notification](https://help.ideascale.com/malicious-content-detection#admin-email) [Frequently Asked Questions](https://help.ideascale.com/malicious-content-detection#faq) --- ### Automatic File Scanning IdeaScale's security measures include the use of ClamAV, a signature-based anti-virus program that is updated daily with new signatures. When a file is uploaded containing a known malicious signature, ClamAV immediately deletes the file to prevent any harm. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity and security of the platform. **Note:** Malicious content scanning is applied automatically to all file uploads and requires no configuration.   --- ### Upload Error Message If a file fails the scan, the application displays an error message and the upload does not complete.   ![downloads.intercomcdn.comio22797849684debf895e9d4a12d48d4f07maliciouscontent copy](https://help.ideascale.com/hs-fs/hubfs/downloads.intercomcdn.comio22797849684debf895e9d4a12d48d4f07maliciouscontent%20copy.jpg?width=655&height=125&name=downloads.intercomcdn.comio22797849684debf895e9d4a12d48d4f07maliciouscontent%20copy.jpg) --- ### Administrator Email Notification When malicious content is detected and deleted, an email notification is sent to alert administrators so that further action can be taken if necessary. ![Screenshot 2024-09-03 at 11 copy](https://help.ideascale.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-09-03%20at%2011%20copy.jpg?width=670&height=289&name=Screenshot%202024-09-03%20at%2011%20copy.jpg) --- ### Frequently Asked Questions #### What happens when an uploaded file fails the malicious content scan? The file is immediately deleted, an error message is displayed, and the upload does not complete. #### What tool does IdeaScale use to scan uploaded files for malicious content? ClamAV, a signature-based anti-virus program that is updated daily with new malicious-content signatures. #### Is any configuration required to enable malicious content detection? No. Malicious content scanning is applied automatically to all uploads and requires no configuration. #### Are administrators notified when malicious content is detected? Yes. An email notification alerts administrators when malicious content is detected and deleted, so that further action can be taken if necessary. --- **Related Articles** - [Help Article for Workspace Security](https://help.ideascale.com/workspace-security-new-admin-panel?hsLang=en) - [Help Article for IdeaScale Security SSL/TLS](https://help.ideascale.com/ideascale-security-ssl-tls?hsLang=en) - [Help Article for Workspace Security Policy](https://help.ideascale.com/workspace-security-policy-new-admin-panel?hsLang=en)   Last Updated: August 18, 2026 - [Product Updates](https://help.ideascale.com/product-updates?hsLang=en#main-content) - [2026](https://help.ideascale.com/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026) - [2025](https://help.ideascale.com/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025) - [Workspace](https://help.ideascale.com/workspace?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Workspace Homepage](https://help.ideascale.com/workspace?hsLang=en#workspace-homepage) - [Manage Workspace](https://help.ideascale.com/manage-workspace?hsLang=en#main-content) - 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