INBOX OVERLOAD - How to Stop Spam Texts and Emails

Everyone who’s ever had an email account knows what it’s like to open an inbox flooded with junk email. It can be overwhelming. The sheer volume of these bulk email blasts is annoying enough. But junk email and texts, also known as spam, often come from an unknown sender or an imposter pretending to be a trusted source. Spam is not just inbox clutter. It is a threat to your cyber security. The FTC https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/ articles/ how-recognize-and-report -spam-text-messages warns that spam is often the work of a cybercriminal trying to steal your personal information.

Spam Messages Can be Lures For Launching Cyberattacks

Cybercriminals have many nefarious approaches to using spam. Here are a few examples:

• Warning Messages – the spam texts or emails use various methods to prompt action:
  • “There’s a problem with your payment information.” In this instance, the cyber thief might impersonate a trusted source such as your bank or a website from which you make online purchases
  • “We’ve noticed some suspicious activity on your account.” The sender might pretend to be your bank or a merchant with which you regularly do business, such as Amazon. Nobody likes “suspicious activity,” and this warning is designed to get your attention.
  • “Delivery Notification: We’ve had a problem with your delivery. Please update your address information.” Who wants to miss a delivery? An unsuspecting target might easily be willing to confirm their address.
  • “INVOICE – Please Pay Immediately!” – a demand for payment is a real attention-getter. However, if you don’t remember owing payment, don’t be too quick to click!
  • “Your Account is About to be Terminated!” – If your initial reaction is “That’s impossible,” you’re probably right. So don’t click!
• Special Offers to Lure Your Attention – Nobody wants to miss out on a free offer or a special deal. This type of spam might be disguised as:
  • An offer for a low or no-interest credit card
  • A prize you’ve been awarded, such as a gift card or cash
  • An offer to pay off your mortgage or student loan

How to Stop Spam Emails and Texts

• Resist the Urge to Reply – The good scammers can make spam very tempting. The safest practice is to not engage in any way.
• Don’t Unsubscribe – An “Unsubscribe” option can itself be a launch point for malware.
• Use a Separate Email Account – If you make a high volume of online purchases, you might want to use a separate email account that isn’t linked in any way to bank accounts or other personal data.
• Do Not Reveal Your Address Online – This is a standard operating procedure. Don’t do it.
• Don’t Buy Anything From a Possible Spammer – There are many reputable and secure online vendors. Make it a practice for you to find them, not the other way around.
• Avoid Opening Unsolicited Emails from Unknown Senders – This is another standard operating procedure.
• Resist the Urge to Click on Attachments ¬– Attachments are the most common entry points for malicious software
• Don’t Threaten the Spam Sender – Don’t let your ego lead your approach to cyber security. The last thing you want is for a hacker to make you a priority target for their cybercrimes.

How to Report Spam Text Messages

• If You Have an iPhone – In IOS, you have the option to “Delete and Report Junk.” If you tap on this button, your message will report the sender info to Apple and delete the fake message from your device. After deleting it, you should take action to “Block the Contact.”
• For SMS and MMS Messages – contact your service provider to report suspected fraud.

Essential Network Cyber Security for Small to Midsized Businesses

Spam is just one of many dangerous cyber threats. As remote access work has increased to unprecedented levels, it has become essential to analyze and protect against cyberattacks. All devices connected to your business network are vulnerable to cyber threats. Mobile Device Management is more important than ever, and your devices must have established security protocols and defenses in place to protect your hard-earned business and personal data. Secure business email service is a priority for running your business. Having a team of IT experts to support all your systems is imperative for small to midsized businesses to be unencumbered by cyber threats. Your IT support team can train your staff, update your software, inspect and monitor all your devices and provide iron-clad cyber security for your devices and networks.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized Managed IT Services for small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID^®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely. The GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available 24/7, remotely or in-person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow. In addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support must be ongoing. New users and new devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection are all related and must be consistent, proactive and not waiting for a system failure or data breach.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to evaluate and discuss all of your IT needs. Remember, we are here for you 24/7.