Spam, a term that is familiar to every internet user, has become synonymous with unwanted and obtrusive messages flooding our inboxes. But did you know that the origins of the word ‘spam’ have nothing to do with the internet or emails?
Back in 1937, the Hormel Foods Corporation in the USA introduced a minced sausage made from out-of-date meat, which they called ‘spam’. However, this unappetizing product was met with resistance from consumers. In a bid to avoid financial losses, the company’s owner, Mr. Hormel, launched a massive advertising campaign that eventually led to a contract to supply tinned meat products to the Army and Navy.
During World War 2, when rationing was in effect in Britain, spam was one of the few meat products that remained widely available. This led to George Orwell describing spam as ‘pink meat pieces’ in his book ‘1984’, giving the word a new meaning – something disgusting but inevitable.
The association between spam and excessive information came about in 1970 when the BBC television comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus aired a sketch set in a cafe where nearly every item on the menu included spam, the tinned meat product. The repetition of the word ‘spam’ in the sketch led to the term “spamming” being used to describe obtrusive and unwanted information that suppresses desired messages.
Fast forward to 1993, and the term ‘spam’ took on a new meaning in the context of electronic messages. It was first used to refer to unsolicited or undesired bulk emails. This usage originated from a program created by Richard Dephew, which unintentionally caused the release of numerous recursive messages onto a newsgroup. The recipients aptly named these intrusive messages ‘spam’.
On April 12, 1994, Canter & Siegel, a husband-and-wife firm of lawyers, sent out the first massive spam mailing, using Usenet to advertise their services. This marked the beginning of commercial spam.
Today, the word ‘spam’ is widely used in email terminology, while Hormel tinned meat products are still available for purchase in the USA.
Before delving into the specifics of what spam entails, it is important to understand that spam can be categorized into two types: unsolicited commercial email (UCE) and unsolicited bulk email (UBE). Depending on the sender’s goals, spam may contain commercial information or be unrelated to it altogether.
Spammers often employ clever tactics to make their unsolicited messages seem less bothersome, such as including an unsubscribe mechanism and providing instructions on how to opt-out. However, their true intentions are far from reducing inconvenience, as they often use fake sender addresses, third-party addresses, or spoofed message headings to evade identification and avoid retribution.
What Is Computer Spam?
Computer spam refers to any kind of unwanted and unsolicited digital communication that is sent out in bulk. It can take the form of emails, text messages, phone calls, or social media messages. Spam is typically sent by spammers with the intention of promoting products, services, or scams. It can be highly annoying and disruptive to individuals and organizations.
Spam messages often contain misleading or deceptive content in order to trick recipients into taking certain actions, such as clicking on links, providing personal information, or making purchases. Some common types of spam include phishing emails, which attempt to steal sensitive information, and scam messages that promise unrealistic rewards or financial opportunities.
What Is Spam
The definition of spam is any unwanted and unsolicited digital communication that is sent out in bulk. It is characterized by its unsolicited nature, meaning that recipients have not given consent to receive such messages. Spam is typically sent indiscriminately to a large number of recipients, often using automated tools or software.
Spam can be transmitted through various channels, but email is one of the most common methods. Spam emails often contain commercial advertisements, fraudulent offers, or malicious content. However, spam can also be distributed through text messages, phone calls, or social media platforms.
What Does Spam Stand For?
Contrary to popular belief, spam is not an acronym for a computer threat. The term “spam” originated from a famous sketch by the comedy group Monty Python, where they humorously portrayed the repetition of the word “spam” in a restaurant. This sketch served as inspiration for the use of the term “spam” to describe unwanted and unsolicited messages in the digital world.
While there have been humorous attempts to create acronyms for spam, such as “stupid pointless annoying messages,” the term itself does not have an official acronym associated with it in the context of computer spam.
How Protect Your Device From Hackers
Protecting your device from hackers is crucial in today’s digital landscape. Here are some important steps you can take to enhance your device’s security:
1. Use reputable antivirus and antimalware software:
Install reliable security software that can detect and remove malicious programs from your device.
2. Keep your operating system and software up to date:
Regularly update your device’s operating system and applications to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
3. Exercise caution with unknown or suspicious sources:
Be wary of clicking on links or opening attachments from unfamiliar or suspicious sources, as they may contain malware or lead to phishing websites.
4. Minimize sharing personal information:
Only provide personal information online when necessary and on trusted websites. Be cautious of sharing sensitive data that could be used for identity theft or fraud.
5. Use strong and unique passwords:
Create strong passwords for your online accounts and avoid reusing them across multiple platforms. Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
6. Enable two-factor authentication:
Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This typically involves providing a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
7. Regularly backup your data:
Create regular backups of your important files and data to protect against data loss due to malware or other security incidents.
8. Exercise caution online:
Be mindful of the websites you visit and only download software from trusted sources. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups that may lead to malware infections.
Types Of spam
1. Phishing emails:
Phishing emails are a common type of spam that aims to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details. These emails often appear to be from legitimate sources like banks, social media platforms, or online retailers. They use various tactics to trick users, such as creating a sense of urgency or fear, impersonating trusted brands, or using persuasive language. It’s important to be cautious and verify the authenticity of any email requesting personal information.
2. Email spoofing:
Email spoofing is a technique used by spammers to make an email appear as if it is coming from a different source than the actual sender. The goal is to deceive recipients into thinking the email is legitimate. Spammers may use email spoofing to send malicious attachments or links, trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, or spread malware. It’s crucial to carefully examine email addresses, check for any suspicious signs, and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or unexpected sources.
3. Tech support scams:
Tech support scams involve spam messages that pretend to be from reputable technology companies or support services. They typically claim that there is a problem with the recipient’s device or account and urge them to contact a provided phone number or visit a website for assistance. However, these scams are designed to trick users into granting remote access to their devices or paying for unnecessary services. It’s important to remember that legitimate tech support companies will not randomly contact users, and it’s best to verify the authenticity of any support request before taking any action.
4. Current event scams:
Current event scams leverage popular topics or ongoing events to attract attention and deceive recipients. These spam messages may promise exclusive information, special offers, or opportunities related to the current event. For example, during times of crisis or natural disasters, scammers may pose as charitable organizations seeking donations. It’s crucial to exercise caution, verify the legitimacy of any claims or requests, and rely on trusted sources for information or donations.
5. Advance-fee scams:
Advance-fee scams are a form of spam that involves promising a large financial reward in exchange for an upfront payment or fee. These scams often play on people’s greed or desire for quick wealth. Common examples include the infamous “Nigerian prince” emails, where scammers claim to be royalty or wealthy individuals in need of assistance to access their funds. It’s essential to be skeptical of unsolicited offers and avoid sending money or personal information to unknown individuals or organizations.
6. Malspam:
Malspam refers to spam emails that deliver malware to recipients’ devices. These emails often contain malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, can install malware such as ransomware, Trojans, keyloggers, or spyware. Malspam can be challenging to detect as it may appear to be from a legitimate source or mimic common email notifications. To protect against malspam, it’s crucial to have up-to-date antivirus software, avoid opening suspicious attachments or clicking on unknown links, and regularly back up important data.
7. Spam calls and spam texts:
Spam calls and texts are unsolicited communications that aim to deceive or defraud recipients. These messages often contain scams such as fake lottery winnings, offers for free vacations, or requests for personal information. Spam calls and texts can be disruptive and annoying, and in some cases, they may attempt to extract sensitive information or financial details. It’s advisable to block and report spam calls or texts, avoid engaging with unknown callers or responding to suspicious messages, and consider using call-blocking apps or services to reduce the frequency of such calls.
How Can I Stop Spam?
1. Learn to spot phishing:
Educate yourself about the common signs of phishing emails, such as generic greetings, urgent requests for personal information, misspellings or grammatical errors, and unfamiliar senders. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments, and verify the legitimacy of emails by directly contacting the organization or individual through their official channels.
2. Report spam:
Most email providers and phone carriers offer options to report spam messages. By reporting spam, you help improve the effectiveness of spam filters and contribute to reducing the prevalence of spam messages. Take advantage of these reporting features to protect yourself and others from spam.
3. Use two-factor authentication (2FA):
Enable 2FA for your online accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a unique code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Even if your login credentials are compromised, 2FA helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
4. Install cybersecurity software:
Protect your devices by installing reputable antivirus and antimalware software. These programs can detect and block spam messages that contain malware, helping to safeguard your data and protect against potential threats.
The Earlier History Of Spam
The history of spam began in 1864 with a telegram sent to British politicians, advertising teeth whitening. This early form of spam demonstrated the persistent nature of unwanted advertising.
In 1978, the first unsolicited email was sent on ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet. It was an advertisement for a new computer model from Digital Equipment Corporation. This marked the beginning of spam in the digital realm.
During the 1980s, online communities called bulletin boards (BBSes) became popular. Users could share files, post notices, and exchange messages. In heated online exchanges, the term “spam” was used to drown out other users by repeatedly typing the word. This reference to a Monty Python sketch from 1970, where a chorus of Vikings sang about Spam, led to the adoption of the term to describe annoying messaging.
On Usenet, a precursor to today’s Internet forums, spam referred to excessive multiple posting across multiple forums and threads. The earliest Usenet spam included religious tracts, political rants, and advertisements for services like green card applications.
However, it wasn’t until the early 1990s, with the rise of the Internet and instant email communication, that spam became a widespread issue. The volume of spam emails reached epidemic proportions, overwhelming inboxes with hundreds of billions of unwanted messages.
In 1999, the first virus spread via email, known as Melissa, wreaked havoc by spamming itself to everyone in victims’ contact lists. This virus caused significant financial damages, amounting to $80 million.
As spam continued to plague the digital landscape, governments worldwide began implementing anti-spam legislation. The European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States introduced laws to restrict spam content, sending behavior, and enforce unsubscribe compliance.
Simultaneously, major email providers like Microsoft and Google worked on improving spam filtering technology to protect users. Bill Gates famously predicted that spam would disappear by 2006, but unfortunately, his prediction did not come true.
Despite efforts from legislation, law enforcement, and technology companies, spam remains a persistent problem. Professional spammers, such as Sanford Wallace, known as the “Spam King,” rose to prominence. Wallace was responsible for sending millions of spam messages via email and social media platforms like Myspace and Facebook. He was eventually convicted and sentenced to prison.
Today, spam continues to fill our inboxes with various types of unwanted messages. These include unsolicited advertising, phishing scams, malware distribution, chain letters, pyramid schemes, Nigerian scams, and lottery or prize scams.
To combat spam, individuals can utilize spam filters provided by email providers, exercise caution with personal information, avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments, report spam emails, and stay informed about the latest spam trends and techniques.
While progress has been made in the fight against spam, it remains an ongoing battle due to the minimal effort required by spammers, the limited consequences they face, and the potential profitability of their activities. However, by staying vigilant and following best practices, individuals can reduce their exposure to spam and help create a safer online environment.
