Spam is one of the biggest problems facing email users today. Spam is defined as unsolicited bulk email that is sent out to a large number of recipients without their consent. It is estimated that spam makes up over 90% of all email sent globally. But what exactly constitutes spam, and why is it considered risky? This article will examine what spam is, the different types of spam, why it poses a risk, and steps you can take to reduce your spam risk.
What is Spam?
As mentioned above, spam refers to unsolicited commercial bulk email. The word “spam” is derived from a Monty Python sketch in which the word is repeated over and over. Spam email usually has the following characteristics:
- It is sent to a large number of recipients in bulk.
- The sender and the recipient do not have an existing relationship.
- The recipient did not sign up or request to receive the email.
- The primary purpose is commercial – to sell a product or service.
Spam employs various tactics to get past filters and reach recipients’ inboxes. Some common tactics include:
- Using misleading subject lines.
- Including forged headers to hide the source.
- Inserting random words and phrases to bypass filters.
- Including HTML content to hide text.
- Using compromised computers to send spam (zombie computers).
Types of Spam
There are several categories of spam that are commonly seen:
1. Phishing Spam
Phishing spam is designed to steal personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account details, passwords, etc. Phishing emails often appear to come from legitimate organizations and trick users into entering their information on fake websites.
2. Malware Spam
Malware spam spreads viruses, worms, Trojans, and other malicious software. These emails typically contain infected attachments or links that install malware when opened.
3. Advance Fee Spam
Advance fee spam offers the recipient the “opportunity” to share in large profits or sums of money in exchange for an upfront payment. Common schemes include fake lotteries, inheritances, loans, and work-from-home offers.
4. Products and Services Spam
These spams tout various products and services for sale. They may offer anything from pharmaceuticals to replica watches and even mobile phone subscriptions.
5. Adult Spam
Adult spam contains graphic pornographic images and offers adult-oriented services and products like escort services, dating sites, and pornography.
6. Pump and Dump Spam
Pump and dump spam promotes penny stocks in order to inflate prices and then sell shares at a profit. The emails often make exaggerated earnings claims about the stock.
7. Non-Commercial Spam
While most spam has a commercial intent, some spam is sent without financial motives. This includes spam promoting religious or political causes, chain letters, and joke emails forwarded to large mailing lists.
Why is Spam Risky?
There are several risks associated with spam that users should be aware of:
Malware Distribution
One of the biggest risks of spam is that it is a highly effective vehicle for distributing malware and viruses. Opening attachments or clicking links in spam emails exposes users to infection.
Phishing and Identity Theft
Phishing spam is designed to trick users into revealing personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft and financial loss. Spam is estimated to be connected to 90% of data breaches.
Inappropriate Content
Pornographic spam in particular presents a risk for exposure of minors to age-inappropriate content. Some spam also contains offensive, hateful, or violent content.
Loss of Productivity
The sheer volume of spam wastes companies’ time and impacts productivity. Workers must sort through and delete the spam messages in their inboxes.
Reputational Damage
Spam originating from an organization’s network due to malware infections can lead to blacklisting of their IP address. This causes all email from the organization to be blocked.
Financial Costs
Spam results in increased costs for storage on email servers as well as more time spent filtering messages. There are also costs involved with malware cleanup and dealing with phishing scams.
How to Reduce Your Spam Risk
While spam cannot be eliminated entirely, users can take certain steps to reduce their exposure and keep their inboxes safe:
Use Strong Passwords
Weak passwords make it easier for your email accounts to be compromised and used to send spam. Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
Think Before Clicking
Spammers use provocative or alarming subject lines to get you to open messages. Resist the urge to click and inspect emails carefully.
Don’t Reply
Replying simply confirms your email address is active. Instead, mark the message as spam and delete.
Be Wary of Attachments
Never open an attachment from an unknown sender as it may contain malware. When in doubt, delete the email.
Watch for Phishing Attempts
Scrutinize any email asking for personal information carefully. Verify the sender’s identity by contacting them directly before responding.
Install Antispam Software
Use a robust antispam solution with spam blocking, virus scanning, and filtering capabilities. Gmail and Outlook have built-in filters.
Report Spam
Forward spam messages to your email provider’s abuse department so they can take action. You can also report phishing emails.
Avoid Unsubscribing
Don’t click unsubscribe links in spam as they simply confirm your active email. It’s better to ignore or filter them.
Be Careful When Posting Email Addresses Online
Spammers harvest addresses online. Be selective about posting your email publicly on websites or social media.
Use Separate Email Addresses
Have different emails for personal and business use. Only give out your primary email to trusted sources.
Conclusion
Spam represents a significant nuisance and security risk for email users everywhere. Understanding what constitutes spam, the different types, and associated dangers allows individuals and businesses to take steps to protect themselves. While spam cannot be eliminated completely, following best practices like using strong passwords, avoiding clicking on messages, installing antispam software, and being wary of phishing makes it possible to minimize exposure and keep inboxes clean.