Security alerts

VirusHeat

VirusHeat is a false or rogue anti-spyware program that installs itself on to your computer, without your knowledge nor permission, via a Trojan (such as Zlob). Once installed, it launches from a Windows startup process and floods the computer with false virus warning messages. MORE INFO

Common threats

Scam Emails Seek Donations to Help Chinese Earthquake Victims

The FBI is asking people to beware of emails claiming to be raising money to help the victims of the recent earthquake in China. MORE INFO

Security terms

MORE INFO

Prevent spam by cloaking your name
Use a spam filter

Spam control

Spam has become more than just unwanted or unsolicited email. It can be used for advertisements, scams and identity theft as well as to distribute spyware and Trojan downloads that may be used for denial of service attacks. Road Runner takes spam very seriously as it can not only negatively affect customers, but it also can put our ability to provide email service at risk.

Spammers get addresses in a number of ways. Some addresses are taken from forum postings, email lists or randomly generated addresses within a domain. Email lists are another way spam can get to your inbox. Neither Bright House Networks nor Road Runner sells customer information. However, not all other businesses share this commitment to your privacy. Read the privacy agreements of any website requesting personal information before registering.

Reading the terms of service can help you avoid unwanted emails from that site or its partners. Random address generation, also known as "a dictionary attack," is an automated process where a spammer generates a list of names within an ISP or domain. For instance, the attack could start with AJones@rr.com, and then the program would generate addresses like johndoe@rr.com or AJohnson1@rr.com and send email to them all

Preventative measures

Create a unique email address - Do NOT use your first or last name because it is an easy target for spammers and identity thieves.
Create a spam catcher email account - Unless you want to receive communications from a website, use a spam catcher email account instead of your real address when registering or otherwise providing your email address to a website.
Watch for opt-out options - Legitimate companies must provide an opt-in and opt-out system when sending you newsletters, ads, and other communications.
Set up message rules and junk folders - Many email programs come with some type of rules or junk filtering. The help option in your email program can provide information on how to set up these options.

Spam filters

Once you begin receiving spam, the best way to protect yourself against spam is to set up a spam filter for your email. A spam filters work just like it sounds the rules filter or separate legitimate email from spam and keep spam from reaching your inbox.

There are a variety of spam filter options out there, and all work a bit differently. Review some of the programs, and see how they work. Decide which one best meets your needs. You may find that your antivirus software already contains a spam-filtering option.