Reduce Spam for Greater Online Safety
No one likes junk mail—at home or online. The good news is that software companies and Internet service providers (ISPs) are getting really good at blocking spam so that you can spend your time online doing the things you like instead of weeding out hundreds of junk e-mail messages that may contain computer viruses, spyware, or potential scams that could lead to fraud or identity theft.
To reduce your risks from spam, follow these simple guidelines:
- Use the spam filter provided by your e-mail program or ISP to block junk e-mail.
- Block unwanted instant messages.
- Block unsolicited images, which can sometimes embed spyware programs that gather information about you and your computer and return it to the sender.
- Never respond to spam, or purchase products from unsolicited email.
- Be very careful about sharing your e-mail and instant message addresses.
Use Common Sense and Good Judgment
Despite your precautions, some spam will get through. It's inevitable. After all, spammers are using the same technology that your friends and family use to send you e-mail messages, so even the most sophisticated spam filters can't block it all. That's why it's important to make common sense and good judgment part of your spam management.
Next: Learn more ways to avoid spam.
