Threats » Spam

What is Spam?

Spam or spamming is the use of electronic media platforms to distribute unsolicited mass messages to large groups of people. It can be sent across any media but it is most commonly distributed to people via email systems. It is estimated that 80-85% of all global email correspondence is spam.

Spam is used to advertise products of any description and can be distributed at a very-low cost to the client. Spam is sent to indiscriminate people via email mailing lists compiled by spammers. This is the only major cost associated with when spamming.

It is the low-cost aspect spamming which allows it to be so widespread and it is often used outside the commercial context. Spam emails can contain viruses and other malware which can infect a computer system. Most alarmingly spam is increasingly being employed by criminals to commit fraud and identity theft.

Spam is also a significant issue to efficiency and functionality of email messaging systems. Many internet service providers (ISPs) are locked in a constant battle with spammers forcing them to increase their data capacity which consequently increases the cost of internet services to the consumer.

Which ZoneAlarm Product is best to combat Spam?

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite is the best product available to protect against spam. Offering the highest-level of protection for your system Internet Security Suite employs an anti-Spam filter which identifies and prevents spam from entering your email inbox.
The superior anti-spam protection offered by ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite ensures your system information is kept safe and allows you to safely access your emails.

What is the purpose of Spam?

Most commonly spam is used to advertise products to consumers however there are much more insidious applications which it can be used for. Spam is becoming an increasingly popular method to conduct fraud scams. Many spammers seek to steal personal information in order to conduct electronic fraud and identity theft. Spam can also contain malware which affects the function of your computer and can give spammers access to your computer and its contents.

A short history of Spam

The first spam message was sent more than 30 years ago and was used as an advertisement. In its infancy spam was not chiefly email oriented and many of the pioneering uses of spam were not considered bad. The first major issues arose in the mid-1990s after an advertisement for immigration to the US was sent across the internet discussion system, Usenet. It was after this that email became the premier media for spamming. Spam has grown exponentially since the late 1990s and shows little sign of stopping.

Characteristics of Spam

Spam is most commonly distributed in the form of email. The email address lists used by spammers to access the public are acquired in different ways and the methods they employ ensure that users remain unaware their email address is being obtained. This allows spammers to contact people without their consent.

Most spam is often easily identified by the title in the subject line of the message. Many emails are obvious in there intent to advertise a product however increasingly spam is becoming more personalised and targeted. Some spam can appear to be important or friendly email correspondence when it is in fact sent with the intention of collecting personal data or implanting viruses or malware on a system. Many people are now aware of spam and spammers are becoming more intent on tricking users to view malicious emails.

Eliminating/Controlling Spam

It is impossible to control or eliminate spam without the use of software designed specifically to protect you against the malicious intentions of spammers. There are ways you can minimise spamming by limiting the amount of personal data you give out via websites but this can make internet usage a constant hassle and does not prevent spammers from obtaining your email address. While vigilance is necessary the easiest way to ensure your systems integrity and your personal safety is by using a software program.