The word spam is not yet admitted by the RAE, although it is true that almost anyone minimally “geek” could relate this term to something bad and ill-advised.

According to the Wikipedia, spam refers to junk mail or unsolicited, unwanted or unsolicited message (anonymous mail), usually of an advertising nature, usually sent in large quantities (even massive) that harms in some way or several ways receiver. I also support that, curiously, this practice is illegal in many countries and can result in fines of up to $600,000 imposed by the Agency for Data Protection, which ensures compliance with the law.

It seems clear that the origin of spam had its initiation in emails, although it is striking to realize how it has been spreading over the years. Nowadays, we can find it in comments on blogs and websites, even in forums (very common using anonymous avatars and pseudonyms).

Social networking spam

It is the Anglo-Saxon term that has been used to describe spam that is directly related to social media and social networks.

It is mainly links that link normally to the pages of “spammers” from an attractive and powerful social network such as Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

The mods operand

On Twitter it is common to see how certain profiles have been created solely for the purpose of sending spam, normally taking advantage of the expansive effect of current trends (Trending Topics), which reach many people and is very visible. There are also certain profiles created automatically by software that emulate a real user.

Another type of spam in the social network of the little blue bird, is created by some “companies” that offer to sell followers, in exchange for a previous huge sum of money (of course), incredible but true.

Facebook, meanwhile, is no exception and, despite the large team of people who work to protect their security and third-party attacks, certainly today we can continue to encounter viruses and spam within Mark Zuckerberg’s social network. , sometimes excusing themselves in the vulnerability of the browser used by users.

Spammers often use the relevant page wall to publicize their business and website.

How to act with spammers?

First of all and as a basic rule, after having investigated and discovered what the spam in question is about, the first thing is to ignore it and never open the links they offer to avoid falling into risk of possible viruses. We must and, I would say more, we have to get used to doing the following when we encounter malicious situations like the ones exposed above.

On Twitter indicate the option “Report to @spam as spam” and for more security “Block to @spam” that appears in the drop-down arrow of the profiles.

In Facebook access the profile or company page, stop being a fan (if we are) and indicate in the option “Report page” the “Junk mail or fraud” box.

Collaborate is good for everyone

The digital society must be seriously aware that security is a common good in the world of the internet and that, if we work together, malawares and spammers will be significantly reduced in the future. We will make the task much easier for the administrators of the webs and we will navigate more calmly. So you know, all to one!