Guest Author - Debbie Jacobsen

Spam used to be considered harmless junk mail, but it is now quickly becoming the “tool of choice” for cyber criminals. Spam is used to deliver dangerous “phishing” scams, lure us into spyware-ridden websites, and tempt us into purchasing items that are illegal or dangerous.

The amount of spam on the internet continues to grow, and there is really no way to stop it. The best way to manage spam is to use a special type of anti spam software that is sometimes referred to as a “spam filter” or “spam blocker”. This software looks at your email before it hits your inbox, then segregates the spam into its own “junk mail” folder where it can be safely deleted in bulk.

In addition to using an anti spam product, here are some “safe e-mailing” tips that will help you handle spam as well as protect you from dangerous phishing scams, viruses and spyware.

1. Never open email from anyone you don't know.


2. If you receive an email from your bank or another company you do business with, assume it is a fraud. Never click on hyperlinks in the email or call any phone number that may be listed. If you are concerned about your account, open a browser and go to the official website or find the phone number yourself and call.


3. Never “unsubscribe” to a newsletter or bulletin that you don’t remember subscribing to in the first place. Spammers use this as a trick to verify “live” addresses, resulting in even more spam.


4. Never post your email address on the internet. Spammers are constantly scraping the web for new addresses. Posting an address in a forum, newsgroup, or web page will result in a flood of spam.


5. When you receive the popular “read and pass on” emails from friends, delete all previous forwarded addresses before you pass the message on to someone else. If a spammer gets hold of one of these messages, he’s “hit the jackpot” if it includes hundreds of “known good” email addresses.


6. Legitimate companies don’t send spam. If you receive an offer that looks like something you want to buy, don’t do it. Find the product yourself and buy it from a real company. Many spammers are criminals who will gladly take your money and give you nothing in return.


7. The safest way to use email is to turn off “message preview”. This actually opens the mail and could launch dangerous code that can secretly install spyware or adware on your computer. Set your email client to only show the subject information.


8. Make sure your email client software is up to date. Developers are constantly issuing security patches and enhancements designed to help protect you from various email security threats. By updating your email software on a regular basis, you will be sure to have the latest protection.


9. Make sure your internet browser and operating system is up to date with the latest security patches. This will not directly help with spam, but will help protect you from the effects of viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that is often associated with spam.


10. Use anti virus software, and keep it up to date. Although spam in itself is not a virus, it is often used to transmit computer viruses as well as spyware. Anti virus software (if updated regularly) will ensure that you are protected against the latest virus threats, and most modern antivirus applications will detect some spyware.