You have probably noticed that the amount of electronic junk mail (spam) that you receive is increasing. Although the unsolicited (and unwanted) bulk messages are usually recognised in the form of email spam, it can be applied to other digital media: spam in blogs, instant messaging, mobile phone messaging to name a few.
Because sending these bulk messages operates at a low cost base, there are literally numerous spammers and the volume of spam is increasing exponentially. As their outlay is minimal, even if only 2 out of 1000 people respond and fall for the scam, it is still worth it for spammers.
Although spam is annoying and frustrating, it is the criminal element that is very distressing and harmful. These spam e-mails can introduce viruses and spyware into your computer and increasingly are sent via “zombie” networks which install a backdoor which provides access for malicious purposes. Viruses, Trojan horses, malicious software or malware infection or simply deceptive marketing are all ways that spammers attempt to deceive you. The aim being to acquire an individual’s sensitive information (which is know as phishing) such as usernames, passwords, credit card details. The main purpose is to perpetrate cybercrime, usually “identity fraud”.
For those that are proactive, spam can be kept to a minimum because technology is well advanced to be able to support this. Further follow the common sense tips below to avoid being scammed.
Never Reply to Spam Emails
It may be tempting to vent or teach them a lesson but it will only confirm your email address. Don’t “unsubscribe”, just “delete”.
Don’t Follow Links in Spam Emails
This is one way that you may become victim of spyware or malware. Your personal information could be sent to a spammer or your computer may be ‘zombied’. This basically means that a computer connected to the Internet has been compromised by any number of things (i.e virus, Trojan horse).
Make sure your Computer Protection is Up to Date
Have current anti-virus and firewall protection plus a spam filter. Always install security updates for your operating system and if your Internet Service Provider has some sort of anti-virus software that you can subscribe to, do so.
Do not open Emails from Addresses you do not Recognise
If you do not recognise the sender do not open the email. For example, financial institutions don’t send out emails so do not open emails from these institutions. If unsure contact your financial institution.
For further information try the Australian Communications and Media Authority website who is responsible for enforcing the legislation related to spam.
Let me know what you think….