Stephen Nold

Tired of email spam?
October 9, 2007

Then follow a few simple rules to prevent your data from ending up in the hands of spammers. 

I just completed an email campaign to a large group of industry professionals asking them to consider attending the eMERGE conference. I was surprised at the number of out of office replies I received. Even more surprising was the number of email addresses provided in these automated emails for other contacts within the organization. Talk about a spammer’s dream world. Names and email address delivered through an automated response is a quick way for spammers to build their database.

A couple of simple precautions including client email settings and enterprise email server settings can dramatically reduce the amount of spam you get.

Here are some smart tips:

1. Never reply!
2. Never buy anything from.
3. Don’t participate in chain-letters or petitions
4. Don't decide you are going to tell off the spammer (see rule #1).
5. Don’t request removal from the list unless you trust the source as a creditable organization. Even then, be careful as some spammers will provide fake corporate names. (see rule #1)
6. Be cautious when you post a message on a newsgroup – make certain you trust the organization.
7. Online retailer will often abuse email – try not to give an email if it is not absolutely required.
8. Don’t provide your e-mail address on any public website domain – it is there for the taking.

Many of us have accepted that spam is part of the internet world in which we operate. Yet a few extra precautions can greatly reduce the clutter and allow your firewall tools to efficiently direct spam to a Junk e-mail folder.

Posted by Stephen Nold on October 9, 2007 | Comments (3)