Questions About Spam

Spam is a huge issue for most Internet users – in fact, 52% of participants polled in a recent survey stated that spam was a major problem. And despite the evolution of anti spam software, such as spam filters and spam blockers, the negative effects of spam are still being felt by individuals and businesses alike.   As an IT company, we take for granted that we understand and appreciate the scope of this problem.  Here are some tips for every email user who is trying to understand why you get these emails and what you can do to best manage it.  

Take Preventive Steps

Email spam is not just unwanted; it can be offensive. Decrease the number of spam emails you receive by making it difficult for spammers to get and use your email address:

• Don’t use an obvious e-mail address, such as JaneDoe@isp.com. Instead use numbers or other digits, such as Jane4oe6@isp.com.
• Use one e-mail address for close friends and family and another for everyone else.
• Don’t post your e-mail address on a public web page. Spammers use software that harvests text addresses. Substitute “jane4oe6 at isp.com” for “jane4oe6@isp.com“, or display your address as a graphic image, instead of the text.

• Don’t enter your address on a website before you check its privacy policy.
• Uncheck any check boxes. Otherwise, you may be giving permission for the website and its partners permission to contact you.
• Don’t click on an e-mail’s “unsubscribe” link unless you trust the sender. This action tells the sender you are there.
• Never forward chain letters, petitions or virus warnings. All could be a spammer’s trick to collect addresses.
• Disable your e-mail “preview pane.” This stops spam from reporting to its sender that you’ve received it.
• Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that filters e-mail. If you get lots of spam, your ISP may not be filtering effectively.
• Use spam-blocking software. Web browser software often includes free filtering options. You can also purchase software that will accomplish this task.
• Report spam. Alert your ISP that spam is slipping through its filters. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also wants to know about “unsolicited commercial e-mail.” Forward spam to spam@uce.gov.

 

  OneSecure offers end-point security, spam and virus filtering, email continuity service and network security / patch management / DR.  Please email info@onsecureit.com for more information.

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