Tips for Virus Protection and Prevention when using Email

• Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
  
  
• Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Confirm that your contact sent an attachment.
  
  
• Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected.
  
  
• Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any of them. These types of email are considered spam – unsolicited, intrusive messages that clog up inboxes and networks.
  
  
• Exercise caution when downloading files from the internet. Ensure that the source is legitimate and reputable.
  
  
• Verify that your antivirus program checks the files during the download process.
  
  
• Update your antivirus software regularly. Most security software updates automatically and continuously via the internet.
  
  
• Back up your files on a regular basis. This way, in the event a virus destroys your files, you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your back-up copy in a separate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.
  
  
• Most executable programs are provided via links to websites that allow you to download and install them. There are certainly plenty of valid and safe websites to download executable programs; however, if you did not expect to receive or subscribe to any software programs or updates, do not execute any file that is suspect.

TIP: Click HERE for a list of commonly used SPAM words and phrases.

What is spam and how do I protect myself?

"Spam" is internet slang for unsolicited commercial e-mail, also known as junk mail, which range from advertisements to adult-content material. The sender of the unsolicited e-mails is known as the ”spammer.”

How did I receive the spam email?

There are a few ways a spammer can obtain your e-mail address.

• Blanket Spam: The spammer sends an incremental email to everyone on a particular domain, for example, jdoe1@domain.com, jdoe2@domain.com, jdoe3@domain.com and so on. Using the "Blanket Spam" method there are hundreds of emails delivered (hits), thousands rejected (misses). Sparklight immediately blocks all email from that sender and domain. The spammer then compiles a list of hits and moves to another domain to send targeted spam to the active email accounts and usually sells the active email list to another spammer.
  
  
• Opt-In Spam: If you have signed up for a contest or registered at a website for more information on a product, then likely your email address is captured and passed on or sold to other spammers. Example: Some websites do have an option when you sign up that says something like "Send me special offers, promotions, and research surveys from selected partners" (real world example). If this box is checked then these web sites can sell / trade your email address to third parties, who in turn can spam you.
  
  
• Web bots: A popular way spammers obtain valid email addresses is to utilize "web bots" that automatically surf the Internet to harvest email addresses from public information and forums.
  
  
• Other: Some websites do not overtly say anything, but provide a link to their "privacy policy" which can say "Pursuant to XYZ's privacy policy, we may disclose to third-parties certain information contained in your Registration." These websites can sell / trade your email address to other companies who in turn can spam you.

If spamming weren't economically viable, it would be obsolete. Not only can an email user fall prey to a potentially fraudulent sales scheme, but email addresses can also be added to the numerous email lists that are sold within the spamming community, further compounding the number of junk emails received.

Is there anything I can do to prevent spam?

Luckily, there are ways you can protect yourself from an overwhelming amount of spam emails. Below are a few tips to block spam from getting through to your personal email.

• If you do not know the sender of an unsolicited email message, mark it as spam and delete it. While most spam is usually just annoying text, a spam email message could actually contain a virus that could damage the computers of all who open it.
  
  
• Never respond to any spam messages or click on any links in the message.
  
  
• Replying to any spam message, even to "unsubscribe" or be "removed" from the email list only confirms to the spammer that you are a valid recipient and a perfect target for future spamming.
  
  
• Think carefully before you provide your email address on websites, newsgroup lists or other online public forums. Many spammers utilize "web bots" that automatically surf the Internet to harvest email addresses from public information and forums. The reverse also applies when you are sending an email. When sending email messages to a large number of recipients, use the blind copy (BCC) field to conceal their email addresses. Sending email where all recipient addresses are "exposed" in the "To" field makes it vulnerable to harvesting by a spammer's traps.
  
  
• Have and use one or two secondary email addresses.
  
  
• If you need to fill out web registration forms, or surveys at sites from which you don't want to receive further information, consider using secondary addresses to protect primary email accounts from spam abuse. Also, always look for a box that solicits future information/offers and be sure it is not checked it if you do not want to receive further information.
  
  
• Never make a purchase from an unsolicited email.