Spam messages are a common nuisance online. Unfortunately, they are more than just a security risk; they can pose a serious threat to internet users. Read how to detect spam and protect yourself from it.
According to Monty Python, the classic British comedy show, spam emails get their name from canned meat products called SPAM. No matter how comedic its origins, spam is not to be taken lightly.
Definition of spam email out
Junk mail, also known as spam, can take many forms. However, spam most often refers to unsolicited bulk emails. Spam emails, social media messages, and instant messages are a part of spamming as well. There are so many spam emails out there now that almost everyone has encountered them at least once.
The majority of people recognize these messages as spam, but only a fraction of them are fooled because cybercriminals can send out messages in bulk. As people become more adept at recognizing spam, criminals develop more nuanced methods for deceiving their victims. There are some spam messages that are not as obvious as so-called Nigerian prince scams. The fact is that spam messages can be sent to anyone, not just less informed internet users.
Different types of spam messages and junk mail
Spam emails are the most common type of junk mail, so let’s examine how criminals use email to attack others. By understanding the different types of spam, you can better recognize it and avoid getting tricked.
Phishing
Phishing emails attempt to get you to download an attachment, click a link that takes you to a harmful site or reveal sensitive information. When phishing messages are disguised as something that the victim might find interesting, they often appear to be coming from a trusted source. Similarly, smishing messages use text and instant messages instead of emails to accomplish the same goal.
Malware spam or malspam
The purpose of malware spam is to infect a recipient’s computer with malware, such as trojans, spyware, or ransomware. Viruses hidden in malware spam can appear as attachments, such as PDFs, text documents, or presentations.
False sender
Spammers try to make it appear as if they have received a legitimate and trustworthy message in order to trick you. It is possible for cybercriminals to make spam messages appear less suspicious by masking the real sender’s identity. Beware of fake emails, even if they appear to come from well-known authorities, social media services, the post office, or banks.
IT support scams
Typical methods of disguising the message’s sender include pretending that it comes from IT support. There is a possibility that this type of junk mail can be sent in the name of large companies, such as Apple and Microsoft. It will claim that there is a technical issue or that your account has been compromised. The message claims your account will be locked if you don’t click the link. To deceive you, cyber criminals can combine a legitimate source with a sense of urgency. In particular, if IT support asks you for sensitive information, such as passwords and online banking credentials, you should be wary.
Advertisements
There are also spam emails that contain ads. Many of us subscribe to online newsletters and receive legitimate ads daily via e-mail. Ads that seem too good to be true are probably scams.
Subscription traps
A subscription trap is a way to mislead consumers into making long-term commitments. When a victim of a subscription trap receives a bill for a supposedly ordered item, they may not realize they have subscribed to anything. Many of these subscriptions have vague or non-existent terms, and it is difficult for subscribers to cancel their subscriptions.
Why are spam emails an issue?
Whether you are a large or small business, an individual, or an organization, spam is a common problem. It doesn’t matter how small someone may appear as a potential victim, they can still receive spam. Cybercriminals can easily target large numbers of victims with bulk email. Moreover, spamming is cheap, given the potential returns. So don’t think that you don’t sound interesting enough to be a target of online spam.
Listed below are some reasons why both individuals and larger targets should take spam seriously.
- It is possible for spam to spread viruses and malware. Aside from the risk to your own devices, files, personal information, and privacy, malware-infected devices can also spread harm to others. No matter how much you think you do not have worth stealing, cyber criminals will find a way to exploit you somehow.
- Spam email is sent in bulk, creating unnecessary traffic and filling your inbox. In your email folder, urgent emails and important information may be buried under spam. It will be more difficult to locate your important files if you first have to filter through numerous spam emails. Spam can reduce the productivity of you and the entire organization if it targets your work email.
- Spam email is a burden on the entire infrastructure. The simultaneous transmission of messages to thousands of recipients may result in unnecessary stress on email servers and systems. Email inboxes can also become overloaded since most users have limited storage space. If spam email takes up space that could be used for storing more important messages, it can be a problem.
How to defend against spam emails?
Spam can be filtered and blocked by email services and Internet service providers (ISPs).. This, however, may not be enough, and other measures will also be necessary. There are some things you can do to direct junk mail into your spam folder instead and identify spam that has found its way into your inbox.
- Analyze suspicious messages. If there is any chance that an email may be spam, look for signs that may indicate it. Click on a link or download an attachment when you receive an email? Is there a spelling error? Do the claims made in the message seem outrageous? Is the sender requesting financial or personal information from you? You can check online or go directly to the sender’s website instead of clicking a link if you are still unsure.
- When you encounter spam, mark it as such. By doing this, your email service will be better able to recognize spam in the future. When you find something that is not junk mail in your spam folder, mark it as not junk.
- Use a reliable antivirus program. In addition to protecting you from spam, an antivirus also helps you stay safe online in other ways. To keep you safe online, eScan offers complete online protection.
- Use a VPN. Although a VPN service cannot block spam, it can stop online criminals from ever obtaining your email address. MailScan is a reliable VPN for browsing securely and in private wherever you are
Stay safe online with eScan Total Security Suite
There are more threats online than spam, and you should be prepared for anything cybercriminals may think of in the future. The eScan Total security suite offers all the protection you need. Manage your passwords, do your online shopping, browse privately, and stream content without worrying. Get a 30-day free trial of eScan Total Security Suite today!
