Here’s a notice from our IT group; some tips on how to combat spam
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We would like to share with you information about e-mail spam
and how you can help to combat them.
E-mail spam has been growing
It was estimated that as at 2007
spam e-mails per day. In absolute percentage
constitute approximately 80% - 85% of the total volume of
e-mails received by an organization.
Apart from the anti-spam software being installed to filter spam
as an e-mail user
the below recommendations:
Never make a purchase from an unsolicited e-mail.
If spamming weren't economically viable
Not only can an e-mail user fall prey to a potentially fraudulent
sales scheme
to the numerous e-mail lists that are sold within the spamming
community
received.
If you do not know the sender of an unsolicited
e-mail message
While most spam is usually just annoying text
e-mail message could actually contain a virus and/or
other exploits that could damage the computers of all
who open it.
Never respond to any spam messages or click on any links
in the message.
Replying to any spam message
or be "removed" from the e-mail list only confirms to the
spammer that you are a valid recipient and a perfect target
for future spamming.
Never forward any chain e-mail.
Forwarding chain e-mail should also be avoided as you never know
who this chain e-mail will ultimately reach. Chain e-mail will get
widespread and your e-mail address may get into the hands of the
spammers.
Avoid using the preview functionality of your e-mail
client software.
Many spammers use advertising techniques that can track
when a message is viewed
or reply to it. Using the preview functionality essentially opens
an e-mail and tells spammers you are a valid recipient
can result in even more spam.
When sending e-mail messages to a large number of
internet recipients
to conceal their e-mail addresses.
Sending e-mail where all recipient addresses are "exposed"
in the "To" field makes it vulnerable to harvesting by a
spammer's traps.
Think carefully before you provide your e-mail address
on websites
Many spammers utilize "web bots" that automatically surf
the internet to harvest e-mail addresses from public
information sites and forums.
Never give your company e-mail address to anyone
or any site you don't trust.
Share it only with your close friends and business colleagues.
Have and use one or two secondary “personal” e-mail
addresses.
If you need to fill out web registration forms
from which you don't want to receive further information
consider using secondary “personal” addresses to protect
company e-mail accounts from spam abuse.
Watch out for pre-checked boxes.
When you buy things online
check boxes by which you indicate that it's fine to sell or give
your e-mail address to responsible parties. Clear the check box
if you don't want to be contacted.
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Conscientious end users who follow these suggestions will
ultimately play a significant role in reducing the amount
of spam that enters the organization's communications system.
