System Scan Information - Free SPAM Scan Summary

What is SPAM?

The term 'SPAM' is generally used to describe unsolicited and unwanted messages.  A spammer generally sends such messages in mass quantities.

SPAM is usually associated with EMail, but is also includes other messaging systems (eg: Instant Messaging) and social networks, forums, comments etc.

In this discussion we are focussing mainly on PC EMail related SPAM.

SPAM is generally used as a promotional tool and to that end can be an annoyance.

SPAM can be also be used to spread malware hence it can also be harmful like viruses, spyware etc.  This manner of spreading can also be referred to as a worm.

SPAM can also be used in phishing attacks to trick users into providing details that may be used in malicious ways (eg: ID theft, password theft, hacking).

Some of the problems associated with viruses, spyware etc and more details of these are covered elsewhere in this site.

SPAM is difficult to control.  If SPAM contains malware then security software may detect and block the message as malware.

Security software can also try to determine if a message is potentially a phishing attack.  Similarly software can also determine if a message is just promotional material.  In these case, generally security software attempts identify such messages by their origin or the nature of message itself.

For SPAM, try PC Tools Internet Security 2009, many of it's features are available for free.  We think it is one of the top system security software products available. It has comprehensive security functions including SPAM, MalWare, Viruses, SpyWare, AdWare, Firewall and more.

A  free SPAM scan with ParetoLogic - Spam Controls Review allows you identify SPAM in your current EMail list as well and is available for a free SPAM scan today.

For malware related SPAM, the usual signs of MalWare would be similar.  The signs for other forms of SPAM include:

• Receiving messages from unknown people.
• Messages asking for sensitive information.
• Messages for products you have no interest in.
• and other signs.

Unsolicited messages generally come from a source that has your address, generally without permission to send unwanted messages.  Your EMail address, for example, may have been entered when you signed up for a newsletter or group who have been less than prudent with your address.

Sometimes mail-lists are sold and hence spammers can get your email from these as they are passed on.

Your EMail address may be published on a website somewhere and been harvested.  Your EMail address may even be in a friends contact list which has been compromised.

There are many other methods that someone can get and abuse your address.

Protect your address, especially your EMail address. Be careful who you provide it too and how it may be represented.

Make sure your security software is up to date.  Try use an ISP or EMail service that has a SPAM filter setup.

SPAM filters will try to filter EMail, for example, depending on it's origin or nature.  You may also set up 'whitelists' and 'blacklists'.

A whitelist is a list of senders who you approve of receiving message from.

A blacklist is a list of sender who you disapprove of receiving messages from.

PC Tools Internet Security 2009 also has SPAM protection amongst it's many features including protection from malware, viruses, spyware, firewall and more.  You can use most of it's core functions for free.