Nearly all UK businesses now use email to communicate. In 2002, 80% sent important information over the internet by email. In 2004, that figure was 93% [DTI ISBS 2004]. Few businesses can have failed to notice that not all their email is business related. For some, the volume of unsolicited email has grown to unacceptable levels. This has resulted in the disruption and degradation of their email service. The problem has now become a serious business issue.

The term ‘spam’ is derived from a Monty Python sketch, where [whether wanted or not], every meal was accompanied by spam. There is no single formal definition of spam, but a UK based forum on the subject in 2003 defined it as: ‘any email that was not requested by its recipient and has clearly been sent out en masse’.

For example, only a third of businesses in the Midlands filter their email and less than one-in-ten in Northern Ireland. For smaller companies, the presence of an active email filter is practically non-existent. Overall, businesses are not regarding spam as a high risk, even though 55% [DTI ISBS 2004] believe it is increasing and will continue to pose problems.

What percentage of your email is unrelated to your business? Are you protected against spam? Is your email service running at peak efficiency? Call one of our security experts to find out more information about spam.

IT Fusion offers expert advice and assistance on a range of security issues, including secure information, virus protection, spam, wireless access and back-up/recovery .

To understand the security challenges facing your business, contact us for a free [no obligation] consultation.