Internet and Network Security

Couple’s life changes bring Nicholas E. Pierce Technologies to fruition

Security for the Digital World

Efficiency Computer Tips

E-mail spam has grown from a nuisance to a full-blown Internet threat.  According to Jupiter Media Metrix Inc., individuals are expected to receive, on average, 1,800 pieces or unsolicited e-mail this year.  By 2006, that number is expected to grow to more than 3,800.  In 2002, Ferris Research reported that spam cost U.S. business $8.9 million in loss of worker productivity, consumption or technical resources and use of tech support time.  Ultimately, the consumer pays the price.  The following best practices can prevent thousands of unwanted messages from entering your e-mail inbox.

• Never purchase spam-advertised products and services.  Aside from encouraging the spammers, this also makes more of your personal information – - name, address, phone number, credit card numbers, etc, - - available to spammers.  It also guarantees that you’ll get more spam at your e-mail address.
• Always protect your personal information.  Only share your credit card, social security number or other personal information when making purchases from a company or financial institution that you know and trust.
• Never send personal information to e-mail requests.  You should never be asked for a password, credit card number or social security number from a legitimate source via e-mail.  Beware official-sounding notices that require you to provide you personal information due to supposedly dire consequences.
• Verify any transactions.  If a website address looks different from the name of the organization that you’re dealing with or if you have doubts about your transaction, look for a phone number on the website and call the organization to verify that the website it valid.  Don’t deal with any organization that doesn’t clearly state its name, physical address and phone number on its website.
• Beware of get rich quick schemes.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never pay “up front” for loans or credit.  Legitimate lenders generally do not “guarantee” a loan or credit card before you apply.
• Never respond to the “remove address” question.  By responding, you’re confirming that your address is valid and that you read their original message.  This is how spammers build their database of “live” addresses.  You can bet they will send you even more spam or even sell your address to other spammers.
• Automatically delete spam. Right click on the message. Click the “Junk Mail” tab. Follow the prompts. This does not open the email. Delete the original message. 
• The best way to combat spam is to report it.  You can forward spam to the Federal Trade Commission at uce@ftc.gov.  For additional information from the FTC on dealing with spam, visit .  Another option is to forward the junk mail to your e-mail administrator, network administrator or ISP, asking them to investigate or block future e-mail from this source.  Urge them to report the offender to the proper agencies.
• Report fraud immediately.  If you’ve been ripped off by a spammer, call the FTC hotline at (877) FTC-HELP or go to www.ftc.gov and launch a complaint.  Also, contact your Attorney General’s office.
  • Nebraska – 800-727-6432
  • Iowa – 515-281-5164

• The delete key is your best friend.

• Use a “public” e-mail address when online.  Set up either an additional address from your ISP or a free e-mail address.  Use this e-mail address when participating in newsgroups, contests or anytime you e-mail address is requested by a third party.  Potential spam will go to your “public” address instead of cluttering up you “private” e-mail inbox.

• Don’t post your e-mail address on any online user profile pages. Before you use your e-mail address to sign up for newsletter subscriptions, join online groups or enter chat rooms, know whether it will be displayed and how it will be used.  Use a “public” address to be safe.
• Use an e-mail filter to help eliminate unwanted e-mail.  Several anti virus companies offer e-mail filtering products such as McAfee’s SpamKiller, Novasoft’s Spamkiller, Contact Plus’ SpamBuster, and Fundi Software’s Mail Guard.  Many of these are available for a trail period before you decide to buy.  These programs help to filter out unwanted e-mail.  They treat spam like a virus, recognizing unique spam content and removing spam from consumers’ e-mail boxes before they read their e-mail.
• Review these precautions with employees. It is a good idea to put a policy in place for employee use of company resources. This can help reduce office spam significantly.