Unsolicited Emails
“Email
fatigue” occurs when a user ignores a large number of email messages after
falling behind in reading and answering them.” – Lawrence Lessig,
Harvard University.
While
the advent of email has forever changed our business models and
methodologies for communication and marketing, the sheer volumes of unsolicited
emails have given most of us cause to search for alternatives. In this segment,
I will address the different types of unsolicited emails we are inundated with
on a continuous basis, the how and why, and more importantly actions you can
take to reduce each.
“Ham” versus
“Spam”
Spam, “junk
mail”, or unsolicited bulk email (UBE) accounts for 78% of all electronic
messages – that’s 229 billion spam messages sent out daily! These “messages” are not
only ubiquitous and unavoidable, but often even dangerous to the health of our
computer / devices. These unsolicited bulk “messages” can and often do include links or
attachments connecting us to phishing software and malware. Because spammers
are able to collect our data from sites we visit, create viruses to harvest our
contact lists often undetected, and more, it is virtually impossible to
eliminate all spam. Today, the best methodology for defending yourself against
spam is to empty the spam folder in your mailbox without opening or responding
to the sender. Of course, that's if what is in your spam folder was properly categorized.
Phishing
Phishing
is the attempt to “bait” you in order to obtain personal information from your
virtual mailbox, computer and even wallet, most commonly: usernames, passwords,
credit card and bank information. Most phishing occurs when we respond to spam
“bait” with malicious links or attachments, taking us to a fictional website
that prompts for personal information. As a rule of thumb, you should drive to
your bank’s website. Phishing has been one of the many online sharks to avoid
since 1995; banks and vendors will not send emails soliciting your personal
information, as a result. It is also
important to use Tools – Delete Browsing – Delete Phishing Filter Data on a
regular basis to ensure no doors have been left open in your mailbox.
Malware
Malware,
short for malicious software, covers the gamut for codes, scripts, active content
and other intrusive and hostile software created by hackers for the purpose of
disrupting your computer function or hard drive, to gain access to your
computer without your consent, and to obtain your personal information. Malware
is most commonly known in the form of: viruses, worms, spyware and adware. The
best defense to block these attacks remains anti-virus and anti-malware
software, and firewalls. When in doubt, drag and drop to the spam folder,
without opening, and empty the folder immediately. Regular scans and
diagnostics of your computer are also affective for identifying, quarantining,
and eliminating undetected malware and back doors.
Unsolicited
Marketing Emails - “Subscriptions”
Just
about every business has attempted to use their contact lists for mass
marketing via electronic mail, much like snail mail in the 80s and prior. Often
these emails account for a large chunk of the messages we consider an
annoyance. While dealing with these individually requires times, it usually
leads to a resolution. Valid commercial marketers are required to provide you
with an unsubscribe button, removing your email address and eliminating future
incoming mail. Valid businesses also provide unsubscribe buttons on their
websites.
Taking the time to read and respond to the privacy policies of every online retailer, ISP, etc. is a task which is often "clicked through" and ignored. Most collect, distribute and use your address
and information, preferences, etc. for advertising purposes. They often have a
marketing preferences screen where you can uncheck boxes to remove your email
address from their marketing and promotional lists, and their “partner” lists. All businesses are required to provide you with a more definitive option to stop
unsolicited marketers, most often referred to as a Customer Proprietary Network
Information or CPNI Restriction Request.
“At the bottom, the elimination of spyware and
the preservation of privacy for the consumer are critical goals if the Internet
is to remain safe and reliable and credible.” – Cliff Stearns
