Information on Spam Blockers
Spam, or junk email, is at an all-time high. Understanding how spam blockers can help eliminate email fraud and stop cybercriminals is necessary for email users today. It is funny how what people have called "a can of poor man's ham" has taken on a completely new definition in the Digital Age. Spam, or unsolicited commercial email, instant message blasts, social marketing junk promos and advertising text messages all are issues for computer users today.
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Email Spam Blocking
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Email blockers come in several different forms. The most common is email-filtering software. Although some email clients such as Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird now include spam-filtering algorithms, these are not enough to keep out sophisticated spammers who earn billions a year from delivering spam. Another form of email blocker is email routers, which act as an email firewall, filtering before delivery. In addition, some advanced Internet security software now includes email spam filtering and blocking software.
Online Spam Blocking
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Online email services such as Google's Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL Mail and Microsoft MSN have built-in spam filtering and blocking. These spam blockers work well in fighting spam fraud (also known as phishing and pharming) and some forms of malicious malware. However, bulk email advertisers pay what is commonly referred to as "Email Bounty" per email message to become an approved bulk emailer. Relying strictly on an online email service to block spam will not eliminate most email spam.
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Social Networking Spam Blocking
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Social networking spam is hard to block. Social network spam focuses on specific demographic groups inside the social networks. The best method of stopping social networking spam is to use throwaway email addresses from an online email service. Social network members can also notify the specific social network spam department of the spam issue. In most cases, the social network will block or cancel the spammer's account.
Instant Message Spam Blocking
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Instant message spam is commonly called SPIM and has increased significantly over the last few years. The most commonly used filtering and blocking methods for SPIM come in the form of software. The software works by filtering predefined words and phrases commonly found inside of email spam. The software can also block attachments sent via instant messaging. Most instant message services also provide a "spam" or "block" button so the user can report the spam and block the sender.
Cell Phone Spam Blocking
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Cell phone spam is just catching on in the United States. However, worldwide, especially in countries like South Korea and South Africa, it has been commonplace for several years. To stop most cell phone spam, just block all Internet-based text messages. You can also block specific numbers or websites from connecting with your cell phone. If the spamming continues, contact your cell phone carrier. They can run a backward trace and block or take legal action against the spammer.
Expert Insight
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Sending spam in any form is a federal crime. In 2003, the U.S. Congress passed the CAN-SPAM Act, making it illegal to send any type of unsolicited messages through electronic channels. However, because consumers do not commonly read the fine print on websites, ringtone sites and social networking sites, among others, spam is still rampant. As with all aspects of Internet use, use common sense and do not give out personal, private information to anyone you do not know.
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