Spam is unsolicited email, sent indiscriminately to multiple mailing lists or individuals. Basically, it is junk email.
We have a spam filter. However, it only blocks about 80% of the spam sent to us. If we configured it to block more spam, it would also start blocking some legitimate email
Spam mail can be deleted without opening it.
A virus is a computer program capable of reproducing itself. It may cause great harm to files or other programs on the same computer. A virus cannot spread to another computer without human assistance.
A worm is a computer program capable of reproducing itself. It can spread from one computer to another over a network. Worms take advantage of automatic file sending and receiving features found on many computers.
Both viruses and worms can be spread by opening email attachments. Never open an attachment unless you know who the attachment is coming from and you are expecting the attachment. Viruses can be spread without the sender knowing it. And Worms are frequently disguised to look like they are coming from a known sender.
We have an email virus filter. However, when a virus is first introduced it will not be recognized by the filter.
An email with a virus can be deleted without opening it.
A phishing scam is a type of identity theft. It is the practice of luring unsuspecting Internet users to a fake web site by using authentic looking email with the real organization's logo, in an attempt to steal passwords, financial or personal information, or introduce a virus attack.
According to www.antiphishing.org there were 7,197 known phishing scams in December 2005.
Never click on a link within an email to a site unless you are certain it is authentic. Instead, type in the address at the address bar.
If a company unexpectedly asks for personal information in an email, call the company instead of visiting their site.
If the email is not personalized, assume it's a phishing scam.
A phishing scam email can be deleted without opening it.