We all like to get Christmas messages, but not if they’re from someone we’ve never heard of trying to sell us something we don’t need. Internet security firm Symantec recently reported that nearly 70 per cent of ALL email is spam. As yet, there’s no reliable way to avoid it being sent to you, but by following a few simple tips, you can make it less of a nuisance.
- Use your spam filter
Your email software, such as Outlook and your email provider (Hotmail etc) will have anti-spam filters in place. They won’t catch everything, but make sure they’re switched on and set to the level you want. If the level’s too low, they won’t divert many messages to your spam folder, if the level’s too high, legitimate emails may be classed as spam. Experiment to find the level that’s right for you.
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- Use security software
No spam filter can catch every single spam message, and if a bad one carrying malware or a virus gets through, it’s best to have backup. Your computer probably came with security software built in – check your settings to make sure it’s switch on. You can also pay for more sophisticated security software from firms like Symantec and McAfee to help keep your computer safe.
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- Don’t give out your email address
Of course you have to sometimes – but be careful who you give it to. Signing up for special offers or dodgy websites could lead to your address being passed to professional spammers.
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- Don’t click on links in spam emails
Some spam messages are just ads, but
some can contain malware which is activated when you click on a link or an attachment. Links may also take you to phishing sites – fake sites which try to trick you into revealing your bank or other account details. You can check where a link is actually going to take you by hovering your mouse over it before you click. Even so, it’s always safer to type an address into the search bar of your browser.
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- Don’t reply
Spammers send out thousands of emails at a time to lists of addresses that they’ve either bought or stolen. They don’t know which addresses are valid and which aren’t – but they will if you reply. Replying to spam, even just to say ‘DON’T SEND ME SPAM’ is only likely to result in more spam.
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- Watch out for social networking spam
Spammers are increasingly using social networks to do their dirty work. So they might set up a bogus Facebook account and try to ‘friend’ you. Be careful of friending anyone you don’t know, even if they seem to know a lot of your real friends already – a spammer might simply have got your name from their contacts list.
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