---
title: Verify No .forward Files Exist
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
breadcrumbs: Docs > Datadog Security > OOTB Rules > Verify No .forward Files Exist
---

# Verify No .forward Files Exist
 
## Description{% #description %}

The `.forward` file specifies an email address to forward the user's mail to.

## Rationale{% #rationale %}

Use of the `.forward` file poses a security risk in that sensitive data may be inadvertently transferred outside the organization. The .forward file also poses a risk as it can be used to execute commands that may perform unintended actions.