Security implications SMTP

[mell0n]

I have been asked to open our external firewall to allow smtp/pop3 access to external domains, I'm a bit concerned about security ie virus checking etc. Can anyone provide arguments for and against this?

[ebreniz]

Cisco ASA 5500 series adaptive security appliance. The CSC SSM provides the following benefits:

Detection of and actions to prevent viruses, worms, Trojans, and other threats in your SMTP, POP3, HTTP, and FTP network traffic.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6120/prod_release_note09186a00805e7e28.html