6 Top New Year’s Resolutions to Fight Spam

With 2011 just around the corner, let’s take a look at the top new year’s resolutions that can help make the new year a less spammy one:

1. I will use a throw away address for website and software registrations. Registering software and gadgets and signing up on websites almost always gets you on a mailing list of some sort unless you remember to opt out. Even if you choose to receive mailings you may find that a company has sold their mailing list to a third party. If you use a throw-away address you can avoid having your main inbox cluttered with ads and newsletters.
2. I will protect or shut down any unused FTP logins. Scammers look for these to install malware that directs visitors to malicious sites or spam domain. Keep your site secure and your customers will thank you.
3. I will use only opt-in mailing lists. If you plan to buy a mailing list it’s crucial that you make sure that every address on it is there because its owner wants it to be. Do your homework before choosing a third party provider.
4. I will keep social networking accounts private. Keeping these accounts set to public not only leaves your personal info open for harvesting but it helps scammers personalize their scams which could make it easier to fall for them.
5. I will regularly update and adjust my anti-spam software. Studies have shown that many small and midsize businesses don’t do this, either because they mistakenly think they don’t need to or because they think it’s too time consuming or expensive. Don’t make the same mistake as a data breach or other attack could cost you far more.
6. I will use a contact form on my website instead of publishing my email address. This simple measure will keep bots from grabbing your email address.