SpamAlert Frequently Asked Questions

How does SpamAlert work?
SpamAlert filters all incoming email by searching for key words, addresses and phrases to identify Spam. SpamAlert holds these emails in quarantine. Every 6 hours it sends an email to the user's inbox showing the sender, the subject and why the email was held in the categories of Adult and Spam.

Why do I keep receiving these SpamAlert Digests?
The SpamAlert Digest is a listing of the email that is being held in quarantine by SpamAlert. From this list you have the ability to allow the email to pass and/or always allow the sender.

Can I request a SpamAlert Digest before it is sent automatically?
Yes. By logging into WebMail and clicking the "Spam" link on the menu bar, you will enter the SpamAlert setup menu. From here, click on the "Spam Digest" link to request an updated Digest be sent.

I haven't received a SpamAlert Digest in over 6 hours. Is something wrong?
No. If you haven't received any emails in the last 6 hours that were quarantined by SpamAlert, then you won't receive a Digest. To double check, log into WebMail and click the "Spam" link on the menu bar to enter the SpamAlert setup menu. From here, click on the "Spam Digest." SpamAlert will report that "No spam has been reported for you in the last 6 hours."

What if SpamAlert blocks an email I want to receive?
SpamAlert often starts out aggressively. Over time, it will learn your email habits and begin delivering mail that it believes you would like see. By replying to SpamAlert Digests, SpamAlert will learn who you view is a trusted sender. You can also set up "White Lists" in the SpamAlert setup menu.

SpamAlert has blocked an email from a friend. How can I make sure my friend can always send me email?
By logging into WebMail and clicking on the "Spam" link on the menu bar, you will enter the SpamAlert setup menu. From here, click on the "Whitelist" link to set up your custom "allow" lists. This can be completed by email address or subject line.

I receive many online articles, but they are being blocked by SpamAlert. Is there a way to allow all of these emails?
By logging into WebMail and clicking on the "Spam" link on the menu bar, you will enter the SpamAlert setup menu. From here, click on the "Whitelist" link to set up your custom allow lists. You can individually allow emails by email address or subject line keywords.

How can I Subscribe to SpamAlert?
Log into WebMail and click the "Spam" link on the menu bar to enter the SpamAlert setup menu. From here, click on "Subscribe / Unsubscribe." If you are already subscribed to the SpamAlert service, the top line of the menu will tell you. If not, click the "Submit" button next to "Subscribe."

How can I Unsubscribe from SpamAlert?
If you are unhappy with SpamAlert for any reason, you can unsubscribe at any time. To unsubscribe, log into WebMail and click the "Spam" link on the menu bar to enter the SpamAlert setup menu. From here, click on "Subscribe / Unsubscribe." If you are already unsubscribed to the SpamAlert service, the top line of the menu will tell you. If not, click the "Submit" button next to "Unsubscribe."

I deleted an old Digest. Can I check old email that has been blocked by SpamAlert?
Yes. Quarantined emails are held for 7 days. To view your held email, log into WebMail and click the "Spam" link on the menu bar to enter the SpamAlert setup menu. From here, click on "Held Spam." This list will allow you to retrieve quarantined mail or permanently delete it.

Is there a way I can temporarily turn off SpamAlert?
If you wish to temporarily disable SpamAlert for any reason, you can unsubscribe at any time. To temporarily unsubscribe, log into WebMail and click the "Spam" link on the menu bar to enter the SpamAlert setup menu. From here, click on "Subscribe / Unsubscribe." If you are already unsubscribed to the SpamAlert service, the top line of the menu will tell you. If not, click the "Submit" button next to "Unsubscribe." To re-enable SpamAlert, follow the same process, but click "Subscribe."

Does SpamAlert protect my mailbox from viruses?
SpamAlert alone will not protect your mailbox from viruses. However, SpamAlert runs with F-Secure virus protection software to protect your mailbox. SpamAlert is only for spam prevention and not directly created for virus detection.

I use Outlook Express. Will SpamAlert work on my email?
Yes. SpamAlert will work on any email client as long as the email account is protected by SpamAlert. However, if you use a mail client like Outlook Express or IncrediMail, you will have to log into WebMail to administer your account.

How long do I have to retrieve captured emails?
SpamAlert holds quarantined mail for 7 days. After 7 days, the held spam is permanently deleted. If you plan on being away from your email for longer than 7 days and worry that you won't be able to retrieve quarantined mail, you may temporarily disable SpamAlert. To temporarily unsubscribe, log into WebMail and click the "Spam" link on the menu bar to enter the SpamAlert setup menu. From here, click on "Subscribe / Unsubscribe." If you are already unsubscribed to the SpamAlert service, the top line of the menu will tell you. If not, click the "Submit" button next to "Unsubscribe." To re-enable SpamAlert, follow the same process, but click "Subscribe."

 

Don't Get Caught in an Internet Hoax

Many people receive forwarded emails from friends and family every day. Jokes, cute digital teddy bears and other fun things for our reading and viewing pleasure pour into our inboxes. We have all seen this one before: "Send this email to 10 of your friends in the next 5 minutes and all your dreams will come true!" It is unlikely that your dreams will come true from a simple email transfer, but stopping forwards isn't always so simple. What if a close family member or friend sent you an e-mail warning of a deadly virus that could clean out your hard drive if you don't delete certain files right away? How would you handle it?

Most hoaxes and forwards are harmless. However, some hoaxes can be dangerous when unsuspecting users lose large quantities of money or experience problems with their computers. Unfortunately, many users choose to believe these hoaxes and cause themselves more problems than they hoped to solve.

For example, in October of 1988, according to Ferbrache ("A pathology of Computer Viruses" Springer, London, 1992), one of the first virus hoaxes was the "2400 Baud Modem Virus." This posting explained how you shouldn't upgrade to a 2400 baud modem as there was a security hole in all modems at this speed which would send the virus to all hard drives to wipe out your data. The reality was that this "virus" never existed, and caused a slow down in the sale of 2400 baud modems.

Another more recent hoax explains that a user is the sole survivor and heir of a rich family member's estate. Other hoaxes include the deleting of files to prevent viruses or editing important files to "close" security holes. Fortunately, these hoaxes are catalogued and hosted with information by F-Secure and can be found at http://www.f-secure.com/virus-info/hoax/.

Here are some tips to protect you and your computer:

• Trust your instinct. If it doesn't feel right, check on it. Be sure to check reputable sources such as Symantec's Security Response for the latest security threats and alerts (http://securityresponse.symantec.com/) , or F-Secure's Hoax Warnings page for email hoax information (http://www.f-secure.com/virus-info/hoax/).
• Generally hoaxes will be passed along by a friend or family member through a forwarded email message. It's likely the sender passed the information along with good intentions and didn't realize the information was false. If you find that an email is a hoax, do your part to stop it by not passing it on.
• Hoaxes generally push the idea that the email is "No Joke." These hoaxes will push fear and expect you to pass the false information around to your friends and family.
• Rely on services provided by anti-virus sources such as Symantec or McAfee. If you have concerns about virus or security threats, check there first. Often these companies will offer email notices of virus threats. Visit your favorite anti-virus company's home page for more information.
• Lawyers of deceased rich relatives are likely to contact you by certified mail or telephone well before they will send you an email.
• As a general rule, don't believe everything you read! If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone instructs you to delete something, reference a reliable source before deleting anything. A little research and common sense can go a long way and save you hours of frustration and headache.
  

Away from the worries of viruses and Internet hoaxes, this month's Hot Site is another reminder that the Internet is a very useful tool. The Internet Movie Database, found at http://www.imdb.com, is a site dedicated to the motion pictures of all genres. This online database is filled with movies and consumer reviews, ratings and other information. Do you want to know what movies are coming out on DVD this month? Check out The Internet Movie Database to find out! It's also loaded with Fun & games, message boards and more! Check out http://www.imdb.com today!