The term “SPAM” is used to refer to unsolicited or bulk messages on the Internet.
In this article, we will tell you about the history of this word, share interesting facts and give recommendations on how to fight spam.
And if your child is fond of IT technologies, we are looking forward to seeing him in class at Progkids!
Canned meat
The history of the term “spam” has interesting roots. Initially, “SPAM” is a brand of canned meat by Hormel Foods. The product was first released in 1937 and became especially popular during World War II due to its long shelf life and availability.
Monty Python's “spam”
In 1970, British comedy group Monty Python released a funny sketch set in a café. Visitors looked at the menu and found the same canned goods from SPAM in each dish. Of course, this annoyed customers a lot.
Internet use
In the early 1990s, the term “SPAM” began to be used in online communities to describe the intrusive messages that populate emails, social networks, and forums.
The evolution of spam
First of all, spam became a serious problem for email users, as mass marketing emails and fraudulent messages literally filled their mailboxes.
Then, with the spread of social media, spam began to appear there too, taking the form of unnecessary messages, comments, and fake accounts.
Spam later made its way into messengers, where users receive unsolicited messages from unknown senders every day.
Interesting facts about spam
Here are some interesting facts about spam that might surprise you.
No.1. The first case of spam
The first reported case of spam occurred on May 3, 1978, when an employee of the Digital Equipment Corporation sent an advertisement for a new product over ARPANET, the predecessor of the modern Internet. This email was sent to approximately 400 users. This day is now considered to be an official Spam Day.
#2. A savior from spam named Captcha
CAPTCHA is a tool that is used to prevent bots from automatically registering on websites and to protect against mass spam.
#3. Fake followers
It turns out that 40% of social media accounts are spam.
#4. It's all official
The word “SPAM” was added to the Oxford Dictionary in 1998.
On this occasion, the aforementioned Hormel Foods even wanted to sue everyone who used their name, but the court ruled that “spam” now belongs to the world =)
#5. Combating spam
Various technologies and methods have been developed to combat spam: spam filters, programs and algorithms for automatically identifying and blocking spam messages, black lists, and databases of known spammers used to block their messages.
How to protect online accounts from spam
Here are some effective strategies for fighting spam:
#1. Use spam filters
Most modern email services have built-in filters that automatically move suspicious messages to the Spam folder. You can set up additional filters to block messages from specific senders or with specific keywords.
#2. Keep your email address private
Avoid posting your address on forums and social media. Spammers often crawl the Internet for email addresses. Use alternative methods of communication. Instead of sharing your email address, use contact forms on websites or social media to communicate.
#3. Be careful with subscriptions
Subscribe only to verified and reliable newsletters.
If you no longer want to receive emails from a specific sender, use the unsubscribe link that is usually at the bottom of the email.
#4. Use temporary email addresses
To register on questionable sites or temporary needs, use disposable email addresses that can be obtained using special online services.
#5. Report spam
Email services allow you to mark messages as spam. This helps improve their filters and prevents them from receiving similar emails in the future.
If you receive a suspicious email that tries to trick your identity (phishing), report it to your email service.
#6. Use anti-virus software and firewalls
Install anti-virus software with an anti-spam feature. Enable a firewall to protect your network from unauthorized access.
#7. Keep your software up to date
Make sure your software is always up to date. This will help you protect yourself from known vulnerabilities.
#8. Training and awareness
Knowledge of the basic principles of digital security and informed online behavior will help you protect yourself from spam and other cyber troubles.
The term “SPAM” has come a long and interesting way from naming canned meat to referring to one of the main problems of the Internet. Today, the fight against spam continues using sophisticated technologies and AI.
Is your child crazy about computers? Write it down to free trial lesson at Progkids! We know how to turn any gadget into the best child development assistant!
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