What is Spam and How to Reduce It

Spam is a form of unsolicited email. Named after a Monty Python sketch about the oft-ridiculed luncheon meat, spam is basically the junk food in your email inbox. It is usually sent in bulk, it is repetitive, and it can feel downright unavoidable at times. While on the surface, email spam is basically just an annoyance, it can pose danger and threat to your personal and financial security. Because spammers use such a wide net to lure clicks, they often find their way to victims who aren’t as knowledgeable about protecting their computer security.

How do you get spammed?

Email spam finds its way to you any way that it can. The primary source is through online forms and registries. Remember, if there is no charge for a product, then maybe you will end up being the product. Spam is the inevitable consequence of having a digital presence in the world, and it is brought on by seemingly insignificant choices you make online. When you sign up for something, fill out a survey, purchase something from an online venture, you essentially open the door for spam. It is in our modern human makeup to skim over what we read and rush to complete a task. Companies and websites are very aware of this, which is why they always automatically include a check box tucked away at the bottom that invariably signs you up for spam.

Purpose of Spam

There are 2 major purposes of email spam, one more harmful than the other:

1. The first is innocent enough. This type of spam is from companies that you “like” or have purchased from in the past or have shown some interest in. They send out deals, special offers and updates. Its ultimate purpose is to build loyalty by creating familiarity and a sense of exclusivity among its recipients.
2. The second purpose of spam is to collect data and either sell it to other parties or use it for their own gain. This data is usually stolen, because people aren’t given a choice to say no. These are often done through websites that ask you to fill out a survey or take a quiz or they offer special services to anyone you signs up. To prevent this form of spamming you should ensure that the technology on your back end is configured properly. A strong security software can block these sorts of websites, or prompt users to be cautious if they choose to enter a suspect website.

Threats Posed by Spam

The primary threats posed by email spam are security breaches. These are usually presented in the form of a malicious attachment. You may receive a PDF brochure that appears innocent enough but is actually malware in disguise. Once you click on the attachment, it gains access to your computer. Its effects can vary from slowing down your network and increased email spamming, to being more serious and stealing your private data to extort you for financial gain. The latter may seem like an extreme example—that is, until it happens to you.

How to Reduce Spam

There are 2 key things to consider if you want to reduce email spam. One is on the back end, and the other lies with the user. Having strong anti-spam software in place is the best defence to preventing email spam. Anti-spam software is very good at recognizing websites and links that result in spam and blocking them. It essentially stops the problem before it even starts. This means that you are forewarned when you click on a link that can lead to potential security breaches, giving you the chance to back away.

But at the end of the day the accountability rests on you, the user. It is up to you to maintain critical thinking when sharing your email with websites and companies. The more you share your email address, the more spam you are likely to receive. If you are interested in receiving updates from retailers or signing up for newsletters, you should set up a separate email for this purpose. Charities are known to sell and trade their email lists, and most organizations reserve the right to share your information with their trade partners.

Spammers are constantly looking for ways to reach more people, and they are often successful because most people simply don’t have the know-how to prevent it. Spam is an indication that your IT isn’t being taken care of properly and that you don’t have the appropriate security measures in place.

Want to find out more? Talk to CITI about the steps you can take to mitigate spam. The techs at CITI have full knowledge of all anti-spam components.