Securing your PC against spam
How pervasive is spam?
America Online (AOL), the world's largest Internet Service Provider (ISP), reported that in
2003 it blocked half a trillion bulk e-mail messages.
Five types of spammer trickery
Spammers continually escalate their techniques to locate valid e-mail addresses and to fool
users into opening their e-mail messages. Spammers do this by:
1. Adopting companies' e-mail address formats
2. Manipulating the subject line
3. Altering the subject line with each message
4. Making a zombie out of your PC by sending e-mail from your system
5. Switching URLs
Nine ways to minimize spam
If you have broadband instead of a dial-up connection your system is more susceptible
to spam.
1. Most important, install a spam filter, configure it to meet your needs and stay current on
the filter updates.
2. Stay current with operating system and software security updates.
3. Use a separate e-mail address for participating in public forums and news groups, for
mailing lists and for requesting information and newsletters.
4. Remove your e-mail address from your personal website.
5. Don't buy from companies that use spam, and don't unsubscribe from a spammer list.
6. Don't forward chain letters.
7. Check No when filling out online forms for offers of future e-mail.
8. Check messages at your web e-mail account.
9. Block spam at your ISP: Most ISPs allow you to set the level of spam blocking for your
own mailbox.