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What’s wrong with spam-blocking software?
Nothing, if it’s working for you. But it can be expensive and needs constant updating.
A managed service filters out spam more effectively and could save you money.
How much traffic can that cope with?
50 million messages a day.
That should just about do it!
We offer a unique service with tools designed by the Psychosis applications team, as it goes.
How does it work?
Your email goes through a series of filters. It checks if it comes from a valid known server
(we call it a ‘white list’) or from a possible spamming suspect (a ‘black list’).
So it won’t block out emails from clients or friends?
No. But if the mail appears to come from a black list server, it will go through more filters.
Like a maze of tests?
Exactly, they’re spam traps. First, the system checks protocol such as sender address,
subject, and sender.
And if they’re okay, what next?
It looks out for dubious phrases such as ‘winner’ ‘million pounds’, ‘free holiday’ ‘viagra’,
‘free diploma’ ‘sexy girls’ and so on. These are lexical tests.
Funnily enough, I’ve received all of those! But what if the email is from a legitimate source
and is blocked?
‘False positives’, as they’re known, are minimised because the sender is automatically sent
an email letting them know.
What about emails containing viruses, and those that steal information?
The system examines dubious attachments and blocks phishing emails.
Phishing? Sounds slippery.
Phishing emails ask you for private information. A common example is an email pretending
to send you a link to a false banking web page and asking you to change your passwords.
You must never respond to these.
I very nearly did, but I did think it looked a bit phishy. What about other risks?
The service also includes anti-spyware. Spyware gathers addresses for spammers.
But what if my company or my clients sell pharmaceuticals, and legitimately have to deliver
something like Viagra or silky underwear or, ahem, sex toys. How do we get around spam
blocking then?
That’s where the Bayesian system comes in.
Come again?
The Bayesian system is an intelligent sorting device that identifies two databases of spam and
legitimate email. It recognises a balance of ‘tokens’ or elements to weigh up legitimacy. So if
your email contains ‘Viagra’, the system will also look at other elements such as a client name
or alternatively suspicious phrases such as ‘bargain deals’.
And what if there are still emails left that are unknown to be spam or normal?
There are very few of those, after all that, but they are put in quarantine for the recipient to view at
his or her convenience.
Every organisation has its own set of issues and priorities. At Psychosis we work hard to keep
ahead of the game on fighting Junk Mail. If you want to know what would be the most efficient
and cost-effective method for you, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
Also in this issue: What Broadband?and Skype
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