GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format) are animated images that are commonly used in digital communication. Though they provide a fun and engaging way to express emotions and reactions, there are some risks associated with sending GIFs that users should be aware of. In this article, we will explore the security issues around sending GIFs and provide recommendations on how to share them safely.
What are GIFs?
GIFs are image files that support short, looping animations. They are created by combining multiple images or frames into a single file and displaying them in quick succession to create the appearance of motion. GIFs are compressed using lossless compression, meaning no data is lost during the compression process. This allows them to maintain their quality despite their relatively small file size.
Some key features of GIFs:
- Animated – GIFs can contain multiple frames to create short, repeating animations.
- Soundless – Unlike video formats, GIFs do not support audio.
- Small file size – Due to compression, GIFs are relatively small files compared to videos.
- Widely supported – GIFs can be viewed across almost all operating systems and browsers.
GIFs rose to popularity in the late 1980s and 1990s when internet speeds were slow and bandwidth was limited. Their small footprint made them easy to share online. Today, they remain a popular tool for expressing reactions, telling stories, and sharing humor across social media, messaging, and emails.
Are GIFs Secure?
When considering whether GIFs are safe to send, there are a few potential risks to evaluate:
Malware Embedding
One concern with GIFs is that they could potentially carry malware – malicious software designed to infect, damage, or gain access to a computer system. The animation capabilities of GIFs mean that malicious code could be concealed inside one or across multiple frames. Opening or downloading an infected GIF could trigger the execution of this hidden malware.
However, the extent of this risk depends on how the GIF is created and shared:
- User-generated GIFs from known, trusted sources are less risky.
- GIFs from anonymous or unverified sources pose more risk.
- Malware is less likely to be embedded in GIFs shared via large social media platforms or apps that scan for malware.
- GIFs received via email or messaging apps are higher risk than those opened on secured platforms.
So while it is possible for hackers to hide malware in GIFs, the actual likelihood of encountering an infected file from regular use is relatively low.
Sensitive Metadata
GIFs can contain metadata – additional data embedded in the file that is not visible when viewing the image. This metadata could potentially include:
- Location data like GPS coordinates
- Identifying data like device model or serial number
- Editing details like creation timestamps
If sensitive, this metadata could pose a privacy risk when GIFs are shared across platforms and recipients. However, most online GIF databases and apps strip out metadata before making GIFs publicly available. The greater privacy concern comes from creating and sharing your own GIFs that still contain identifying metadata.
Large File Sizes
Though GIFs are designed to be lightweight files, longer or higher resolution GIFs can grow quite large in size. GIFs over 10MB are not uncommon. Sending oversized GIFs could use up excessive mobile data or take up substantial storage space on recipients’ devices. This becomes particularly problematic in work communications when GIFs are embedded in business documents and emails.
Inappropriate Content
Like any media file, GIFs can potentially contain offensive, unprofessional, or otherwise inappropriate content. Sending explicit or unprofessional GIFs in work communications could put your job at risk. Even in personal messaging, insensitive GIFs could damage relationships.
Best Practices for Sharing GIFs Securely
Though there are risks, GIFs can be a fun and safe way to communicate if proper precautions are taken. Here are some tips for securely sharing GIFs:
Use Trusted Sources
Stick to reputable, mainstream websites and apps like Giphy, Tenor, and Imgur to find and download GIFs. Avoid random sites or pirated content that is more likely to distribute malware-infected files. Most major GIF platforms scan for malware.
Check the File Size
View the file size before sending, especially for longer GIFs. Consider optimizing or trimming any GIFs over 5MB to keep data usage reasonable.
Remove Metadata
Use a metadata removal tool to strip identifying details from any GIFs you create before sharing them further.
Use Work Communications Mindfully
Carefully consider your audience before sharing casual GIFs in work emails or important business documents where they may not be appropriate.
Be Cautious with Downloads
Don’t download GIFs directly on work devices if your IT department has security concerns. Stick to sharing links or embedding GIFs from trusted sources rather than downloading the files.
Are Certain Apps or Platforms Safer for GIFs?
Some apps and platforms take extra steps to ensure GIF security:
Giphy
Giphy is the largest GIF database online with over 2 billion daily searches. All Giphy GIFs go through a virus scan along with automated moderation for explicit content. Direct file downloads are disabled, preventing malware distribution. Overall, Giphy’s massive library and security measures make it one of the safest options.
Tenor
Owned by Google, Tenor also enforces strict content moderation policies. GIFs cannot be downloaded directly but are shared through links. Tenor has a more limited library than Giphy but is still considered very safe.
Facebook Messenger
GIFs shared via Facebook Messenger are proxied through Facebook’s servers first, allowing for malware detection. Facebook also compresses Messenger GIFs to optimize data usage. The closed environment offers protection compared to random GIF downloads.
iMessage
Apple rigorously vets all GIFs before allowing them into iMessage. GIFs must be created frame-by-frame instead of converted from video formats, reducing malware risks. Apple also optimizes GIFs shared in iMessage by trimming file size.
| Platform | Safety Features |
|---|---|
| Giphy | Virus scanning, content moderation, restricted downloads |
| Tenor | Content moderation, restricted downloads |
| Facebook Messenger | Malware scanning, compression, closed platform |
| iMessage | Strict vetting process, compression, closed platform |
Conclusion
While there are always risks with any file transfer, following security best practices can help minimize the chances of problems when sharing GIFs. Using trusted platforms like Giphy and Tenor is far safer than downloading random GIFs from unverified sites. Similarly, exercising caution around metadata and inappropriate content reduces privacy and professionalism issues.
With proper precautions, GIFs can bring some fun and personality to digital conversations without introducing substantial cybersecurity dangers in most everyday use cases. But as with any technology, users should remain vigilant, especially when handling GIFs containing sensitive information or being transferred over less secure channels. Understand the risks, follow safety guidelines, and enjoy GIFs securely.