Recently, we featured an article on how to tackle the problem of phishing attacks. There is a common feature between spam and phishing as both these problems target our email system. Since, email is one of the basic internet activities of all of us, we should make sure threats like phishing or spam do not impair the essential communication tool of modern days.

IronPort Systems, the major email and internet security provider issued the Web Security Report 2008 that shows how spam has become an inevitable reality as most of the emails that circluate over the globe are spam (98%).

It is really hard to believe that only two percent of total emails (that are sent everyday)are legitimate. The report says over 120 billion spam are circulated worldwide everyday. Out of this staggering numbers, 20 billion spam emails have been attacking the users in the UK. Ofcourse, the USA is the country which receives the majority of spams sent everyday.

While the report says that the social networking sites are often targeted by the spammers to get personal information about the users, it also indicates nearly half of the organizations do not inform their customers over the risk factors involved in revealing their personal information.

How we can safeguard ourselves from spam messages then? IronPort offers following security tips:

• When you open spam email, you indirectly encourage the spammers. They know which spam mails you open, how many times etc. as these emails come with some email tracking software. So, don’t open any email that sounds suspicious.
• Spam messages usually have some links. Clicking any of them will lead to virus or spyware infection, so don’t click on any link. Sometimes, you may get phishing mails (fake messages) appearing as though they are from reputed business firms asking you to fill in your bank account details. In both cases, don’t hesitate to delete the messages.
• If you use spam filter, let it deal with spam. Any kind of response to spam will only lead to further spam, so never answer to a suspected email message.
• All spam emails have a single aim – aim to make you buy some thing by sending you all details which may sound attractive. If you purchase anything, there is not only a chance being cheated but you also contribute to the growth of spam in the internet. So, do your online shopping on only legitimate sites.
• Whenever you happen to shop online, it’d better use a separate email account for it. Always keep your main email account separate for far more important things in your life (personal and business).
• Many a times you need to use your credit cards for online transactions. There are one-time use credit cards available with many banks. Get one and use it while shopping online so that no one can use it later.
• The spam issues can be easily solved if your broadband provider offers good protection to your email accounts. So, your choice of the best broadband provider who provides anti-spam, anti-virus and parental controls can help you a lot. You can make use of our broadband comparison chart which can help you to choose the best broadband package with all security features.