Imagine starting your day, coffee in hand, ready to check your email, only to find your inbox swamped with messages you didn’t ask for. From ads pushing the next big thing in weight loss to urgent pleas from princes in far-off lands, email spam clutters more than just our digital space—it threatens our online peace of mind. Why the sudden flood? Let’s dive right into it.

Email spam: more than just junk

A sudden increase in spam isn’t just bad luck; it’s a flare signalling potential danger. When your inbox suddenly gets flooded with unwanted emails, there are a few usual suspects behind it. Let’s break down why this happens and what it means for you in simpler terms.

Sharing your email everywhere: if you’ve ever put your email out there on the internet, like on social media, forums, or your personal website, it’s like hanging a sign that says, “Spammers, welcome here!” Spammers have tools that search the internet to grab email addresses just like yours to send spam to.

Data leaks: signing up for various online services comes with a risk. Sometimes, these services get hacked, and your email address gets stolen along with other info. This means more spam because hackers sell or use these emails to send you junk or try to trick you. You can always use sites like Have I Been Pwned to check if your email is found in any data leaks.

Friends’ accounts get hacked: if a friend or someone you know gets their email hacked, you might start getting weird emails from them. These aren’t really from your friend, but hackers are using their account to catch you off guard.

You’re on a marketing list: Have you ever bought something online or signed up for a newsletter? Sometimes, these companies put you on a list to send you more emails. And sometimes, they even sell these lists to other companies. So, your email gets passed around like a hot potato.

Clicking on spam: Even just opening a spam email or clicking on something inside can tell the spammer, “Hey, this is a real person who checks their emails!” So, they send you even more spam.

Email bombing is when you suddenly get a large amount of spam all at once. Hackers do this to hide their tracks if they’re doing something sneaky, like stealing from you. It’s like setting off a smoke bomb; while you’re busy with the spam, they’re up to no good.

What’s happening here?

All these reasons boil down to a few simple truths. Your email address is valuable to spammers and hackers. They can get it easily if you’re not careful about where you share it. And once they have it, they can use it to annoy you with spam or try to trick you into clicking on something dangerous.

The key is to be smart about where you share your email, watch out for signs that a friend’s account might be hacked (like strange emails from them), and be cautious about what you click on. If you suddenly get a lot of spam, it’s a heads-up to check your accounts and make sure everything’s secure. It might seem like a lot, but taking these steps can really help keep your inbox—and your personal info—safer. Here are some strategies to defend yourself.

Fighting back: simple yet effective spam defence strategies

Stronger security measures: start with the basics. Update your password regularly and enable two-factor authentication. These steps add layers of security to your email account, making it harder for intruders to break in.

Stay alert: keep an eye on your bank statements and online accounts for any signs of unauthorized activity. Early detection is key to preventing further damage.

Avoid the bait: opening that spam email promising untold riches might be tempting, but resist the urge. Interacting with spam only invites more trouble.

Use spam filters: most email services offer spam filters, but they’re not foolproof. Take a moment to adjust your settings and explore third-party options for an extra layer of defence.

When in doubt, report: found a spam email? Report it. This helps your email provider refine their spam detection and keeps your inbox cleaner in the long run.

Remember, every spam email you report and every security measure you take doesn’t just protect you—it helps safeguard the entire online community. So, take charge, set your boundaries, and keep your inbox and digital life secure.