What is the function of a sandbox in email security?

The function of a sandbox in email security is to analyze potentially malicious attachments safely. A sandbox provides a controlled and isolated environment where files can be executed or opened without the risk of them causing harm to the production environment or the user's system. This is particularly important for email security because email attachments are a common vector for malware and other cyber threats.

When an attachment is received, it can be run in the sandbox environment, allowing the security system to observe its behavior, assess its risk, and determine if it is harmful. If the attachment behaves suspiciously or exhibits characteristics associated with malware, it can be blocked or quarantined before it reaches the user's inbox. This proactive measure helps to protect users from threats and reinforces overall email security protocols.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary purpose of sandboxes in email security. Increasing email server speed, for instance, relates to performance rather than security analysis. Providing temporary email accounts is a different service altogether and does not involve the identification of malware. Conducting spam tests on new features pertains to email filtering and tagging, which is not the function of a sandbox.