SPAM is junk mail. Certainly it is mail you don’t need or want. It is an attempt by the sender to get your attention at all cost to you. It may be trying to get you to buy something or even sell something. It offers deals too good to be true. It may attempt to get your personal information. In fact this is now the number one threat. It may (and often times does) carry a virus or spyware program that can damage your computer or obtain your personal information.
How do I get these to start with?
There is no one good answer to this. However, e-mail is the number one way. If you enter a so- called “bad site” (one that is infected) you may get a program that generates these unwanted visitors. What is worse is you might spread them to others through email and/or infected files that are passed from one person to another. This is especially true if you are networked together like many are in small and large companies. In larger companies the Virus or spyware program may reside on the server and infect every computer on the network and cause a large amount of damage before it is even detected. These “bad guys” can happen at anytime under any circumstance.
How can I protect myself?
Stay away from sites that may contain infections. These are normally sites that contain unacceptable or even illegal materials. Don’t open e-mails that you don’t recognize. Don’t send jokes or chain letters. These are known to carry these unwanted programs. The main thing is to buy the best anti-virus and anti-spyware program you can afford. Many companies combine these two types of programs.
Is there anything I have to do with anti-virus programs?
Yup! You need to make sure they are always up to date and activated. If you let your program expire it will not protect you. This is exactly what the virus writers are hoping for. By keeping your program current you protect yourself against the latest threats. You need to totally replace the program as often as you can. Each program has updates that will help you protect your computer. Be sure to scan your computer at least once per week and check for updates to the program. Don’t let the cost of the program be a road block to protection.
How do I know if I am infected?
You may start getting a lot of unknown and unacceptable mail. Normally you also get a lot of pop ups. It might even drive you crazy. The computer usually slows way down. It might be hard to get any work done because of this. If you can not send or receive mail or get into the internet you may be infected.
What is a SCAM and how is it related to SPAM?
Normally SPAM is a SCAM. SPAM is the vehicle of transport. The writer is secretly trying to get you to do something you don’t want to. They can obtain information they can use to commit identity theft or other illegal activity. They may be trying to gain access to your money by planting a virus in your computer that will gather your personal information and then send it to the sender at a given time and place. Entire bank accounts have been emptied using this method.
Some SCAMs have claimed that they are seeking money so they can get to the US etc. They play on your sympathy.
You should report any SCAMs you think are real rip offs to your local authorities.
20% Discount on Kernel Data Recovery for Windows
Offer Expires 04/23/10
Coupon Code: KERNTAFFNOV