Unsolicited Email
Most computer users receive unexpected, annoying emails. It happens so frequently that most email account providers integrate a way to automatically divert blacklisted senders into a special type of inbox called a spam box.
“Spam” is another term used to refer to unsolicited, annoying types of email, but beware: there is more than meets the eye. The use of spam is a common avenue used by criminals to illegally obtain personal information from individuals who open and interact with it. Spam can also be used to propagate various forms of malicious software, specifically in the forms of computer viruses and spyware.
A common and specific way that criminals take advantage of sending spam is by posing as a financial entity such as a bank or prospective creditor.
The content of the spam will request that the receiver use a provided link to navigate to a website made to look like a legitimate financial institution and, in short, request the victim to divulge personal information leading to identity theft. Although computer users have become more aware of this technique used by criminals, the danger of this type of attack still exists.
Propagating computer viruses and spyware is another reason criminals take advantage of spam. If an unsolicited email is made to look like the sender is trustworthy and the email is carrying some type of computer virus, the computer being used to view and interact with its contents can become infected. The virus, installed inadvertently by the recipient of the email, will generally log what the computer user does and forward that data to a criminal across the internet to be used for illegal purposes.
Common sense can be a powerful tool in the fight against illegal computer activity. However, some people, due to their busy schedules, do not have time to research the fundamentals of protecting themselves from criminal behavior revolving around computer usage. That is where a managed IT services partner and a strong security and compliance framework can close the gaps before they become costly problems.
Therefore, if there is a concern regarding any of the above points, please contact us so that we may assist in resolving it.
Protect Your Business from Email-Based Threats
Unsolicited email is far more than an inconvenience. It is one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals looking to steal data, spread malware, and compromise business operations. Understanding the threat is the first step, but the right protections are what truly keep your team and your sensitive information secure.
At WheelHouse IT, we help businesses in South Florida and New York stay ahead of email-based threats through proactive security and compliance services, managed detection and response, and email encryption designed to keep sensitive communications out of the wrong hands.
If you have concerns about spam, phishing, malware, or any other email security threat affecting your organization, our team is ready to help. Reach out today:
Florida: (954) 474-2204
New York: (516) 536-5006
Or contact us online to schedule a conversation.
