Delete! Delete! Delete!

We all hate spam, the junk that arrives in your email inbox on a regular basis asking if you would like to rethink that mortgage or help out John, the Nigerian Prince who has found a way of investing your money down his local diamond mine!

One of the major difficulties our clients face is the deluge of unsolicited emails that arrive on a daily basis. So what is spam, and is there a quick fire way of stopping it I hear you ask?

Well here is my 3 key steps in combating spam:

1. Protect your computer!

The first step in keeping that little PC of yours nice and safe is to invest in some anti-spam and anti-virus software. These clever pieces of software automatically scan your incoming email message even before it hits your inbox, placing suspected emails in a Junk folder for review later.

Never open attachments unless they are from a trusted source, i.e. a colleague or perhaps a client or supplier. If you are unlucky enough to be spoofed, the spammer could hijack both corporate and personal information, as well as spreading across to other accounts in your contact list.

Finally, shut down your computer at night. If there does exist a security hole at your home or company’s network your computer could become the nightmare zombie of the dark! Spammers are continuously looking for unprotected computers to use as gateways, meaning your computer is now the sender of the spam!

2. Manage your email

This is easier said than done considering the wide spread use of the modern email address. However, a good tip is to create separate email address for different online activities and only give out your main account details to trusted sources. If these other peripheral email accounts fill up with spam, just delete them.

It may be tempting to post your email address on a forum or other online communication tool for business or personal use. But don’t! Use another account as mentioned before. Spammers have developed Robots that constantly search the web looking to bother you once they have your email address.

3. Don’t buy, dont try, don’t reply

Spam spam spam, diamond mines, investments, remortgage, help at night (if you know what I mean). These are nearly always scams – just delete them, help yourself and others.

And most importantly do not be hooked as a ‘Phish’. This is where spammers attempt to gain access to your online bank accounts and other highly personal information. Often the message asks for you to re-enter your password or such like as the bank has had an upgrade, or something similar. In 99.9% of cases the website is a counterfeit, do not enter any details or reply to the email. Visit the true web address of the bank in question and report the email you have received.

Well, I hope these 3 tips help you to avoid the morning aaaaaaaaaaagh when opening your inbox. If you would like any more help or advice, simply contact me using the reply link below or by using the webform on this site.

Until next time!

James