Email Security, Part 1

The Geekess mentioned the other day that her Dad's computer seemed to be possessed. Because she suffers with me, and endless hours of Leo LaPorte on radio and Netcasts, the Geekess was well aware that Dad's computer was infected, probably with a virus or worm, since it seemed to be doing whatever it wanted to do, with no assistance from humans.

Now Dad loves to forward the latest email making the rounds, particularly those involving the latest internet warning about stolen kidneys, or tails of the eventual downfall of our society. He forwards these on to the family, usually with long lists of former receivers intact.

Such forwards are a great source of addresses of real people. Spammers love them, because, in general, each recipient is actually a person and MOST IMPORTANT each recipient actually opens emails passed on from other people.

If this is your habit, passing on these email, I beg you, at a minimum, strip all the incoming addresses off (you know the sender and all that he has shared the gem with) and type all the addresses you are sending it to in the bcc: header. At least then you are not sending a spammer list which just might wind up in the hands of a spammer, and just might wind up infecting YOUR computer when that spammer sends you an email with the latest rumor of the latest tax on email, $100 cookie recipe or outrage from Washington.

If you receive these kind of email I have a cruel suggestion. Don't pass them on. Even if it signifies that you don't love, respect or cherish the sender. The fact is, they don't love, respect or cherish you, sending you this form or potential spam. Thank them for thinking of you, explain the danger of that type of email (oh dear reader send them the link to this post!), let them know you cherish their letters and substantive emails, just not the ones with long lists of names attached.

More to come on this, Geeketts.