In the News
The occurrence of email spam continues. In Gmail is now blocking 100 million extra spam messages every day with AI, James Vincent at TheVerge discusses how Gmail is using artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the number of spam emails sent to its user base. Vincent explains that the use of TensorFlow has helped Gmail identify and block more than 100 million more spam messages a day than previously possible. Vincent elaborates that AI helps to combat the variety of spam attacks occurring daily.
Our Take
Spam is a constant concern for both companies and individuals. With so much communication and so many transactions happening digitally, spam can not only cause additional complications but potentially pose security threats. While it is great that spam email is being blocked at record rates, some spam does get through these preventatives technologies and can pose risks to privacy of information and finances. Knowing how to identify an email scam is vital in avoiding the dangers of phishing attacks. With the addition of AI technologies to block more spam, there is potential for a future free of spam. Though this future is ideal, we are not there yet, and precautions are essential to protecting your information and all of your online accounts.
Recommendations
How can you protect your personal and financial information from email spam?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Use safe password practices, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible
- Avoid clicking directly on links, whether in email or social media – always search through your search engine to verify legitimacy and find the appropriate site
- Refrain from opening suspicious attachments
- Be mindful of your emails; always check the date, subject line, and recipients to confirm that you are reading and using the correct email
- Check your email, financial accounts, and credit reports regularly for abnormal activities
- Stay up to date on the news regarding recent fraud and phishing attacks to see if you may have been affected