CNET teaches self-defense against spam

http://home.cnet.com/internet/0-3793-8-5181225-1.html

By Stephen J. Bigelow
(3/27/01)

MAN IS THIS OUT OF DATE!

Today, you can scarcely log on without finding an in-box full of spam--electronic junk mail--pushing easy loans, get-rich-quick schemes, and porn.

Although these little messages may seem like minor annoyances at first, the proliferation of spam costs us time, bandwidth, and even money.

To give you an idea of how much bandwidth spam wastes, America Online (AOL) estimated that in 1997, spam made up nearly one-third of the 30 million daily e-mail messages it transferred. In fact, spam even has its own category on Yahoo.

It's easy to understand why spam is so pervasive. Even simple servers can easily seek out and gather e-mail addresses of Web site visitors, newsgroup participants, and other innocent users (a process known as harvesting). The spammers use $40 mass-mailing software to send hundreds of thousands of messages with just the push of a button--no printing, stuffing, or mailing.

If you're sick and tired of the ceaseless spam barrage, take heart. We'll show you several tips, products, and services that will help you rid your in-boxes of unwanted e-mail. You don't have to be a victim anymore.

Prevent
Even as you surf, you may unwittingly broadcast signals that tell spammers where to find you. Find out how to cover your tracks.

Evade
Once spammers find your e-mail address, there are still ways to throw them off your trail. We'll tell you how to head spammers off at the pass.

Defend
No matter how diligent your security, some spammers will penetrate your defenses. We'll tell you how to block spam before it mucks up your in-box.

Report
Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. There are several responsible ways you can stop spam at the source. Here's how to use them. 
Stephen J. Bigelow is a CNET contributing editor. 

Home