How to Block SPAM – Beginners Overview

Introduction

Do we know what SPAM stands for? Stupid Pointless Annoying Mail (Urban Dictionary). Actually, SPAM is not an acronym. SPAM is slang for unsolicited bulk Email (UBE), unsolicited commercial email (UCE), and a host of other meaningful definitions.

Blocking SPAM - The Basics

Word Filters — Word filters are an effective SPAM blocking technique. Users of word filters need to be aware that legitimate email might inadvertently be classified as SPAM. For example, an email containing the words "Canadian Pharmacy" might be SPAM or a message from your drugstore. In contrast, SPAM might inadvertently slip though. For example, the words "Canadian Pharmacy" spelled "Canadian|Pharmacy" might pass through a word filter.

Unsolicited emails often contain intentional misspellings meant to circumvent word filters. Word filter key word lists contain variations of words that might be aimed at bypassing filters. When using word filters, ensure that word lists are periodically updated. Usually once per week is sufficient. Nonetheless, more is better.

Black List IP Addresses — Lists containing IP addresses are used to block or allow email from these domains IP addresses. Black listed IP addresses are those known to have been involved in spamming. White listed IP addresses are those known to be safe. Black listed IP addresses are blocked; White listed IP addresses are allowed.

Most anti-spam software and email client software include the ability for users to black list or white list domain IP addresses. Most handle sub-domains as well. Spammers frequently change IP address so this method is only effective short term. Maintain your black listed and white listed IP address lists. Every few months review these lists and make corrections as needed.

Black List Sender Email Addresses — Black listed sender email sddress lists are similar to black listed IP address lists. Email addresses for black listed senders are maintained in a list and blocked. Email addresses for white listed senders known to be safe are maintained in a list and allowed.

Most anti-spam software and email client software include the ability for users to black list or white list senders' email addresses. Maintain these lists, and review them every few months for needed corrections.

Anti-Virus Scanning — A large amount of unsolicited email (SPAM) is generated by virus programs that attempt to spread themselves throughout the Internet. For this reason, anti-virus scanning is an effective anti-spam solution. Anti-virus software is not meant to be a stand-alone solution. The best overall solution is to use an anti-virus program in addition to other SPAM blocking techniques.

Every computer that connects to the Internet needs multiple forms of protection to combat multiple threats. Anti-virus software and firewall software are a necessity. Anti-spam features are recommended. For the best solution, purchase, install, and maintain updates for a software package that contains all of these applications. Often these collections of programs are included in a software package referred to as a "suite."

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