Similarly, everyone with an email address must unfortunately be bothered by spam messages, whether we like it or not. The inspiration for using the term “spam” to describe mass unwanted messages is a Monty Python skit in which the actors declare that everyone must eat the food Spam, whether they want it or not. Spam is not an acronym for a computer threat, although some have been proposed (stupid pointless annoying malware, for instance). Often spam is sent via email, but it can also be distributed via text messages, phone calls, or social media. Spam is any kind of unwanted, unsolicited digital communication that gets sent out in bulk. So read on to learn what spam is, how to recognize it, and how to protect yourself against it. The reality is that we’re all constantly under attack from cybercriminals and the proof is in your inbox. While many of us might think we’re savvy enough to recognize any form of it, spammers regularly update their methods and messages to trick potential victims. Spam is annoying, but it’s also a threat. What comes to mind when you think of spam? Miracle pills from Internet pharmacies, requests for money from “princes” of other countries, or perhaps the food, Spam? This article is all about spam with a lowercase “s.” While many people enjoy the food Spam, no one wants to be tricked into losing money or downloading malware because of the other kind of spam.
