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Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE), commonly known as spam, can include things such as commercial solicitations, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and fraudulent offers. Basically, it is electronic junk mail, and unlike traditional junk mail, there are few if any laws regulating it. The volume of spam continues to increase, as do the requests we receive from users, asking for help in dealing with this problem. The information provided below explains what actions Olin is taking, as well as tips for you to avoid receiving spam.
Identifying Spam
Important! Olin is shutting down its Barracuda Spam Firewall on XXXX. All mail sent to the Olin email system will be filtered by the University's Ironport Email Security appliances. Read about the switch to Ironport and what changes you will see.
Washington University uses Ironport Email Security Appliances to help prevent viruses and spam from entering the mail system. All mail sent to the Business School email system are filtered by the Ironports.
For information about the Ironports and how to report messages that are misidentified, please see Working with Ironport.
How can I filter the spam you are tagging?
For detailed information about filtering Spam, see How to Filter Spam.
How can I report messages that are Spam but aren't being tagged or blocked?
Please see Working with Ironport.
How can I report messages that are not Spam but are being tagged?
Please see Working with Ironport.
How can I avoid spam?
- Do not try to unsubscribe -- Most spam messages include a link to use to unsubscribe from their list. Usually these addresses are fake, or worse, they let the spammer know that your address is "live" and they send you more. Only use the unsubscribe function on messages you are certain are legitimate.
- Don't post your email address on the web -- Obviously this one can be difficult to do here at Olin, especially if you are staff or faculty. Companies use software programs to scour the web for email addresses. If you must put your address on a web page, there are ways to disguise your address to make it harder for these spiders to grab it. Keep in mind that if someone figured out a way to hide an address, someone else can figure out how to read it.
- Be careful giving out your address -- Whenever you fill out forms to register for mailing lists, special offers, newsletters, etc., look for options to limit how they can use your address. Often the option to let them use your information is already selected, forcing you to deselect it before you submit the form.
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