The number of spam calls and texts increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 5.9 billion spam calls in June 2021, an increase of 11%. Spam texts do not grow as fast as 7.1 billion (above 1%), although complaints about spam messages have increased by 146%.
The number of spam emails is even more surprising, 122.3 billion sent every day, although most spam filters are captured. The well-known application of the well-known caller ID and spam blocker Truecaller has also confirmed that there has been an increase in spam robocalls and SMS that never happened before, with a loss of about $29.8 billion due to fake calls in the past year.
Unsurprisingly, we have certainly seen a general increase in spam and an increase in the number of spam passing through spam filters. As annoying as it is, we must also be careful to ensure that our devices are not damaged and that our valuable data does not fall into the wrong hands.
But with so many technologies and algorithms to stop spam, why do we still get this email and text message in 2021? We ask industry professionals for their thoughts on spam.
How do spammers get my data?
You get spam messages because someone can access your email address or phone number. Think about how often you provide a telephone number or email address when checking in online, when you register for something online or when you register for a rewards program within a store. We do.
After the breach, consumers had no way of accessing the information. When the leaks went to the leaking service for “lots of money,” Rick Lazio, a former Congress member and now Cyber Alliance cyberspace consulting vice president, told IPS. Digital Trends.
It’s that easy. If you implement good data protection, there is no way to prevent your telephone number and email address from roaming worldwide.
Why you receive inappropriate spam messages:
You’re not alone if you’ve ever received a spam NSFW message outright (to do something unsafely).
Bad actors know what they are doing. The purpose of sending spam and phishing messages is ultimately to open, click or provide information. With regards to dirty spam, the bad guys are out of the message, which is why they call them sand fast. First.”
Even if someone replies “send to me”, the spammer has attached the recipient, which they exploit and collect data.
Spam and regulatory issues:
Another reason you may continue to receive spam and email calls is that the law is slow to catch criminals, and spammers use this to their advantage. Lazio said there is no cybersecurity or data privacy law that allows law enforcement to pursue criminals … or allow users to protect their data.
These are all rapidly developing problems that Washington tried to solve, Lazio continued. At CyberCharity Alliance, we also see the benefit of rights to individual action by consumers who purchase data and/or a large increase in the same fine (up to $5 million), if applicable. And it could be that whistleblowers are also planning to encourage people to get in touch with these companies.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allows people to file complaints and, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has an anti-robocall initiative that allows you to register for the National Do Not Call Registry. The FCC is also involved in law enforcement operations, directing strikes, and imposing fines. However, part of the problem is that the spam problem is too big for the FCC to solve. Unrelenting coordination between the agency and federal partners and states can help stem this consumer epidemic, said FCC President Jessica Roussonversel as part of her statement launching the robocall response team.
If you receive a message that you consider spam, do not contact the sender in any way. Fortunately, opening current text messages is not a risk. That said, clicking on links and images, commenting on the text, and providing additional information. Instead of opening a text message, play safe and delete it.
If you’re not sure if there are spam messages, contact the people or companies directly and see if they’ve contacted you. For example, if you receive messages from your bank and are not 100% sure about your bank, contact your bank directly and ask if they sent you text messages or emails.
Whose devices are the most vulnerable?
Whether you use Android or iOS, there are many ways to stop spam, but some devices may be more vulnerable than others.
Virani says that the telephone operating system comes with its risks and vulnerabilities. Android phones are risky due to the different operating system versions among Android phone manufacturers. The best practice here is to ensure that you keep your cellphone updated with the latest software. It is also important to understand what cellular applications are on your cellphone. There are also new codes and new vulnerabilities in cellular applications. Be sure to update your apps and remove apps you don’t use regularly.
Clean up your data:
In addition to this foundation, we ask Patrick Ambron, CEO of Brandircel, for other ways to stop spam. He suggested a straight data broker and got people to unsubscribe so they can’t sell your data. He also recommends deleting the old account and protecting your active account.
“While we don’t want to admit it, many of us still have the old MySpaces we live in high school but don’t think of in a few decades,” Ambron said. “While this may seem harmless, these accounts still carry data breach threats, which would provide personal information to spammers on the dark web. We recommend that you make sure you have all new and old emails. Check to Do it. It’s not all old social media accounts that are active. Tools like BrandiosFailDalator or Mine can automate the process for you.
Take advantage of a site that offers two factors, as evidenced by many today. To create such a complex password, use a password manager or easily accessible password so you don’t have to rearrange it constantly. Plus, take advantage of new privacy options that sites like Facebook or Google have rolled out. To do that yourself, manually stop tracking or use tools like Jumbo Privacy. VPNs and ad blockers are good additional tools to limit the amount of data stored while searching.
Of course, it’s easiest to practice good data hygiene from the start, but the next best option is to clean up the old zombie account and delete profiles and services you no longer use. It can be annoying, but the less personal information you have, the better.
