Spam mail is a sort of junk email that is typically a single message, sent to an unsuspecting recipient, which includes advertising offers. It is sent to a range of different unsuspecting recipients.
In most cases a spam email will offer the recipient the chance to do one of the following:
- Buy lists of addresses for marketing purposes
- Fooling readers into sharing private data
- Install software that allows the hacker to extract email addresses
Why is Spam Email so Serious?
There is a multitude of reasons for not replying or opening spam mail. They include:
- Potential identity theft
- Allowing a hacker to load viruses and malware onto your device
- A conviction for Internet theft that you had no idea you were aiding
This is why you should delete a spam message as quickly as possible in order to avoid any, or all, of the above. Never fall for offers that appear to be too good to be true, they generally are.
Safeguarding yourself from Spam Mail
It is almost impossible to 100% eliminate spam email from landing in your inbox. However, there are a number of steps that you can use to cut the amount of spam email you receive such as anti-spam software. There are a massive number of anti-spam filters available that have the intelligence to learn which messages are genuine and which are spam. Even if it is the case that a spam filter misses a spam message, it can be flagged by the recipient so that the filter is aware if this going forward.
All individuals and companies should consider which anti-virus product they use to reduce the risk of being targeted by hackers. By selecting the correct product, the dangers of spam mail can be mitigated by ensuring it is filtered away. Normally, antivirus software can have additional features added which further bolster Internet security such as phishing protection.
How to Avoid Spam
- Always review the sender’s authenticity and use digital signature.
- Spam email should never be forwarded or replied to.
- Ensure that antivirus and firewall solutions are current and updated.
- Immediately delete suspect messages, regularly update your operating systems and apply security patches.
- Hide your email address and make sure it does not appear on websites.
- Never click on the unsubscribe or opt-out option in suspicious emails.
Spam Email is a very serious threat to organizations and businesses of all shapes and sizes, no matter what sector or location they do business in. Everything possible should be done to ensure that spam email does not infiltrate your group’s databases. It would be wise to get in touch with a company offering technical expertise in this area before selecting the product you are going to use.