Securing Your
Email In An Insecure World
By: Madison Lockwood
Computers have simplified millions of people's lives. With the
advent of online technology we can be more productive in the
office, organize household matters, and communicate with others
around the globe. Do you ever think it's all too good to be
true? Well, you'd be smart to question the overall ease and
efficiency of the web. The sad truth is, along with these perks
there are a few major pitfalls. And if you aren't aware of them
now, you may be in for a rude awakening.
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So many people get excited
about the wide-reaching possibilities of an email system.
Indeed, it is staggering to think about how you can connect with
someone on the other side of the world with just a click of a
button. Unfortunately, however, sometimes by clicking the mouse
you are doing more than reaching out to a faraway friend. You
may also be inviting email viruses and scams into your mailbox.
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What is spam anyway?
Email spam is also called unsolicited bulk email - like junk
mail in your computer system. In other words, it is email that
you have not asked to receive. When we say "bulk email," we are
usually referring to one message that is sent to more than 200
email recipients at a time.
How is spam targeted?
Basically, if you participate in any newsgroups, forums, or post
your email address on a personal or professional website, you
can be targeted for spam. A spam mailing list will be created by
combing electronic newsgroups and mailing lists, or by
conducting a broad address search online via "spambots" that
roam the net collecting email addresses.
Editor's note: Many free
email services are prone to spam
and other email attacks.
What
is phishing?
Phishing is a relatively new form of email scam and it's a
serious one. What it refers to is an email that claims to be
from a legit corporation (like Citibank, PayPal, eBay etc.), but
it is really a spoof. Phishing can be tough to spot because it
can look pretty slick. The email will come with a return
address, a logo or a brand that seems on the up-and-up, links to
other sites etc. But whoever is behind the scam is trying to get
your financial info and rip off your identity. Studies show that
5% of the people who receive these fake emails respond to the "phisher."
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Now that you know what these terms mean, how can you avoid
dealing with them?
Clearly, the answer is with an expert email security system. No
doubt, new scams will be popping up before you know it. We
haven't even discussed the horrors of email "worms" and
"viruses."
What can be done?
-Use a web host with a secure email system that will control
spam, maintain your privacy, and protect you from email viruses.
A good web host believes that all individuals have the right to
send and receive secure emails around the clock.
-The first step is to monitor the spam that comes into your
email mailbox and then report any scams to the Anti-Spam League
or the Anti-Phishing Working Group.
-Be wary of any emails that ask you for your personal
information, especially financial details. Do not give out your
credit card or bank account info unless you are on a secure
server.
-Be wary of email attachments. When in doubt, don't open them!
-Make a point of checking your account balances online to see if
there are any sudden withdrawals that you did not authorize.
-Use anti-virus software and be sure to update it regularly
(such as Microsoft patches).
-Think about installing a web browser tool bar that will alert
you if a known spammer or phisher is trying to reach you (such
as Earthlink ScamBlocker or eBay's tool bar).
