Unwanted emails, commonly known as spam, fill up inboxes daily. Many people delete them without a second thought, assuming it’s the best way to get rid of them. However, cybersecurity experts advise against this. Instead of deleting spam messages immediately, marking them as junk can improve your email provider’s ability to filter them out in the future.
The Importance of Marking Emails as Spam
Most email services, such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, use automatic spam filters to separate important emails from unwanted ones. These filters rely on user feedback to improve their accuracy. If you simply delete spam emails without marking them as junk, the system does not learn from them and may not filter similar messages in the future.
Here’s how you can help improve your email’s spam filter:
• If you use an email app (like Outlook or Thunderbird): Manually mark unwanted messages as spam if they appear in your inbox. This teaches the software to recognize similar messages and block them.
• If you check your email in a web browser: If a spam message ends up in your inbox instead of the spam folder, select it and move it to the junk folder. This helps train the system to detect similar threats.
By following these steps, you not only reduce spam in your inbox but also contribute to improving the filtering system for other users.
Why You Should Never Click "Unsubscribe" on Suspicious Emails
Many spam emails include an option to "unsubscribe," which might seem like an easy way to stop receiving them. However, clicking this button can be risky.
Cybercriminals send millions of emails to random addresses, hoping to find active users. When you click "unsubscribe," you confirm that your email address is valid and actively monitored. Instead of stopping, spammers may send you even more unwanted emails. In some cases, clicking the link can also direct you to malicious websites or even install harmful software on your device.
To stay safe, avoid clicking "unsubscribe" on emails from unknown sources. Instead, mark them as spam and move them to the junk folder.
Simple Ways to Protect Yourself from Spam
Spam emails are not just a nuisance; they can also be dangerous. Some contain links to fake websites, tricking people into revealing personal information. Others may carry harmful attachments that install malware on your device. To protect yourself, follow these simple steps:
1. Stay Alert: If an email seems suspicious or asks for personal information, be cautious. Legitimate companies do not ask for sensitive details through email.
2. Avoid Acting in a Hurry: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly. If an email claims you must take immediate action, think twice before responding.
3. Do Not Click on Unknown Links: If an email contains a link, avoid clicking it. Instead, visit the official website by typing the web address into your browser.
4. Avoid Opening Attachments from Unknown Senders: Malware can be hidden in email attachments, including PDFs, Word documents, and ZIP files. Open attachments only if you trust the sender.
5. Use Security Software: Install antivirus and anti-spam software to help detect and block harmful emails before they reach your inbox.
Spam emails may seem harmless, but how you handle them can affect your online security. Instead of deleting them right away, marking them as spam helps email providers refine their filters and block similar messages in the future. Additionally, never click "unsubscribe" in suspicious emails, as it can lead to more spam or even security threats. By following simple email safety habits, you can reduce risks and keep your inbox secure.
