| Spam is the internet's equivalent of junk mail. Spam is | | | | standard. |
| defined as an e-mail message sent to people without | | | | - If sites don't accept free e-mail address from the |
| their consent or permission. Addresses of recipients | | | | services listed above then use a free disposable email |
| are often harvested from Usenet postings or web | | | | service like "Sneakemail." |
| pages, obtained from databases, or simply guessed by | | | | - If you are posting your email to a blog or your |
| using common names and domains. | | | | website then submit it in a way that is only |
| Spam is sent to promote practically any product or | | | | recognizable to a human. For example if your email is |
| service ranging from "Adult" products to logo design | | | | then post it as "johndoe at hotmail.com". |
| for websites. It is also used by hackers to spread | | | | - Never open a message from an address you do not |
| viruses or links to dangerous websites used to gather | | | | recognize - always delete it straight away. This is |
| your personal information like credit card details or | | | | especially so if there is an attachment. Never reply to |
| passwords for sites like Ebay or PayPal. To the | | | | a message as this only confirms the email address is |
| average user these messages appear genuine. Even | | | | "live" to the spammers. |
| the link has a genuine looking domain name. This | | | | - If you get an official looking message from your bank |
| technique is known as "Phishing." | | | | or Ebay or another site you are not sure is genuine |
| Here are some smart strategies and tips you can | | | | here is what you do. Instead of clicking on the link |
| employ now to start reducing Spam and boost your | | | | embedded in the mail log on to the site normally via |
| email security. | | | | your browser. If there are any genuine serious |
| - Configure your anti virus software to automatically | | | | problems you should get a message when you log on. |
| scan your incoming email for viruses. Email is still widely | | | | Alternatively contact the site's customer service via |
| used to distribute malicious software. Make sure you | | | | the phone if possible. |
| keep your anti virus software definitions up to date. | | | | - Consider using standalone spam filtering software. |
| - If you are someone that frequently signs up for | | | | This software analyses your email for common |
| "freebies" or other stuff on the internet start using a | | | | characteristics of spam email including words like "click" |
| separate e-mail account just for this purpose. | | | | or "teens." It also compares senders' emails against a |
| Accounts from providers like Yahoo!, Hotmail, and | | | | "Friends List. |
| Google's Gmail all come with generous storage as | | | | |