Definition:
Spam
is what is known as unwanted bulk email. That is, an email that is sent to a multitude of people without prior approval, with the aim of promoting a product, service or even a particular scam. These messages are often promotional, advertising, and contain links to suspicious websites that may infect the recipient’s electronic device with a virus or other malware.
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Where the term Spam comes from
The truth is that Spam is an acronym derived from the words ‘spiced’ and ‘ham’. Its origin dates back to 1937, when Hormel Foods Corporation, a food company in the United States, began selling minced meat sausages. A product that was not well received among Americans, which began to cause financial losses in the company.
Years later, in the 70s, the comedy series broadcast on the BBC, Monty Python’s Flying Circus showed the menu of a café where almost all products included spam. As the waiter recited the menu, a chorus of Viking customers began shouting “Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, al rico Spam.” Since then, spam has been associated with unwanted, annoying, and excessive information.
How Spam is Generated
Spam is usually sent through a mailing list or by bots using servers with changing IP addresses. These messages are often promotional, advertising, and contain links to suspicious websites that can infect the recipient’s device with a virus or other malware. The contents of the messages can also be related to phishing, phishing or spreading false information.
Legality of Spam
Some companies and organizations use spam as a way to advertise their products and services, but it is prohibited by law in many countries. It is therefore inadvisable to use this technique, since the spammer can be accused of a crime. In many countries there are legal channels to report senders to the competent authority to prevent future abuse.
How to avoid Spam
One of the best ways to avoid spam is to stay informed about the latest developments in computer security. It is important that users use an anti-spam solution to filter out unwanted and potentially dangerous messages before they reach their inbox. These tools are usually easy to set up and include a variety of options, such as the ability to block senders, domains, and keywords known as a strategy to prevent spam access.
It is also advisable to install all available updates for the operating system and other programs used. New versions usually incorporate improvements in terms of security and protection against viruses, spyware and malware. In addition, there are several add-ons that can be downloaded for free to help detect spam and keep your computer virus-free.
Users should be very careful when opening attachments or clicking on suspicious links coming from the email. This practice could lead to unwanted downloads or entering sensitive personal data on malicious websites.
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