Mimecast: Ways Spam Filters Can Be Used to Block Phishing Attacks

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Mimecast: Spam filters are designed with algorithms that scan for certain words or phrases associated with phishing emails and block them from entering a user's inbox. Still, these filters alone aren't all it takes to defend against all the ways criminals might attack.

However, since cybercrime is on the rise, phishing, ransomware, and malware attacks are becoming increasingly common, causing serious harm to businesses and individuals on a daily basis. So, a spam filter acts as an extra layer of security to stop these attacks from harming users.

Here's a breakdown of how spam filters work and the benefits of using one:

How Spam Filters Work 

Spam filters use software to scan incoming emails for certain criteria that indicate a message is likely to be unwanted or malicious. 

These filters often work by identifying words, phrases, or patterns that suggest an email isn't legitimate and that the user should block. 

Some of the most common filtering features also include monitoring the sender's IP address, links within the message, and keywords associated with scams or phishing attacks. 

Filters may also examine a sender's reputation by monitoring any past instances of spam from their address.

Users might also use spam filters to keep their inbox organized and clutter-free. 

Benefits of Using a Spam Filter 

A spam filter is an excellent tool for anyone with an email address.

By using a spam filter, users may be able to significantly reduce the amount of junk mail that clogs up their inbox daily. Not only does this make it easier to find legitimate emails when they arrive, but it also helps stop unpleasant and potentially dangerous viruses and malicious software before they have a chance to infect your computer. 

Furthermore, with many spam filters offering additional privacy features like password protection and the ability to block senders—having one installed can be an asset in protecting both personal data and online safety.

Why Are Phishing Attacks So Dangerous? 

Phishing attacks pose a serious threat because they use deception to gain access to sensitive information like usernames, passwords, bank account numbers, social security numbers, and anything else that might be valuable.

Scammers often target unsuspecting victims in the hope that they'll unknowingly give away their personal information. 

Phishing has become increasingly challenging to detect due to its sophisticated nature—but spam filters can help reduce the risk by blocking malicious emails before they reach their final destination. 

Bottom Line

Spam filters have become essential to maintaining a safe digital life as they help protect users from malicious threats like phishing attacks. 

By using criteria such as sender IP addresses, links within the message body, and keywords associated with scams or phishing attempts, they might identify potentially dangerous emails before they ever reach your inbox. 

While this technology is far from perfect and can't guarantee complete protection against all kinds of cyberthreats—spam filters can significantly reduce the risk posed by phishers who rely on deception to gain access to sensitive information. 

Therefore, it's highly recommended that website owners and other users enable a reliable spam filtering system to add a layer of security and ensure their safety online.

Source: Mimecast