How SPAM and web browsing can seriously affect your business

Spam e-mails are not only annoying and time consuming, but they’re also becoming more dangerous to your personal privacy and the security of your computer and business. Millions of computer users are getting infected, spoofed, and tricked by spam every day.

NEW dangers that business computer users must be aware of:

1. An increase in hijacked and spoofed e-mail addresses. Spammers have discovered new ways to infiltrate small software programs in your computer, to make it appear as though their e-mail is coming from YOUR computer. You can get this kind of small software from a spam e-mail or simply browsing the internet on some nasty sites and click on the pop-up massages. This could result in having your Internet connection terminated or put on hold by your ISP – or even worse, you can end up having your business or foundation domain name banned by the hosting company completely killing all your e-mail communication and your website, or getting listed on blacklists (like the one from Spamhaus) used by many spam software and therefore nobody using a spam filter will get your e-mails.

2. An increase in virus-carrying spam. Accidentally open a spam e-mail carrying a nasty virus and you can end up with big problems ranging from the slowing of your system to more serious threats such as system crashes, data loss, identity theft, redirecting your web browser to various sites, and more.

3. Phishing spam. A phishing e-mail appears to be a legitimate e-mail from a bank, vendor, or other trusted source. The purpose is to trick you into giving confidential information such as bank accounts, social security numbers, passwords, and credit card information. You’ve probably already received a PayPal or bank spam e-mail that said your account was going to be closed unless you verified your information. It then directs you to a very convincing web site where you input certain information the thief is trying to glean. In reality, this is a malicious third party that is going to use your information to open credit card accounts, access your account, steal money, and cause you other major identity and financial problems.

If you have a specific question about computer security, spam, or other computer issues, and your business is located in Vancouver area, BC, contact a Small Business IT Specialist at www.blueprof.ca right away.