Internet and E-mail Spam Are Making a Comeback in 2009

Just when you thought it was safe to surf the internet and browse freely through your e-mails again. Last November the mega-spamming network of McColo was shut down and the entire online world rejoiced. What followed was an estimated drop in spam of 70 percent. Now new spammers are racing to fill in the void left by McColo and judging by the 150 percent rise as of late in internet and e-mail spam they are making a successful comeback (source: news.yahoo.com).

While the spam levels are not yet back to the pre-McColo levels they are rapidly approaching it and are expected to surpass those levels in a big way in 2009. Even with the decline of spam after the shutdown of McColo, overall spam rates rose an astounding 25 percent for the year 2008 as compared to 2007. As for individuals, according to Google statistics, spam levels on the average unprotected person went from 36,000 spam messages received in 2007 to an unprecedented 45,000 spam messages received in 2008 (source; news.yahoo.com). Unfortunately the spam is not only getting worse but more complex as well.

Dermot Harnett, principal analyst of anti-spam engineering for Symantec, says that 2009 will be much like 2008 only the spam will look more legitimate and be harder to detect. E-mails will be sent that look legitimate but will contain viruses or malware and if opened could brew a whole host of problems for the user (source: news.yahoo.com). So how do you protect yourself?

First and foremost make sure that you have some type of anti-virus software installed on your computer and scan for viruses and malware on a weekly basis. Most anti-virus software will allow for you to set up an automatic scan on a certain time and day as determined by you. This recommended so that you don't have to worry about remembering to launch the scan yourself. Be sure to also keep the anti-virus software updated and download all updates as they become available. There is usually a feature in the anti-virus software that will allow you to be notified when a new update is available.

Also, never open an e-mail form a source you don't know, just delete it. Watch out for e-mails from your bank, credit card or any other accounts that ask for personal information. If you are not sure, call the source first and ask if the e-mail is legitimate. If you know you are looking at a fake e-mail, notify the institution that the spammer is portraying (like the bank or credit card). Most institutions now have departments just for this and a quick look online can get you an e-mail address to forward the fake e-mail to.

Yes, spam is back big time for 2009. So make sure you are on your toes and that you are protected. Take every possible precaution you can as the spammers of the cyber world do not care who they hurt. Don't let yourself fall victim to their game.