In a response to a post on the ESL Sudan Google Group yesterday:
you wrote:
>”I don't know why you are so worried about "spam"; it's just normal….”
Absolutely! Yes! I agree. Getting spam massages are very normal.
>” ignore it and have fun. It seems to me we are discussing superficial things”
I am afraid members of this group could lose the fun part of learning if they are not aware of the danger of these spam messages and they happen to have spammers attach their computers. Usually, spam emails go the “junk “or “spam “folder, not to the inbox. When they succeed into getting to the inbox, problems will start. If you check the discussions in our group:
http://groups.google.com/group/ELSudan you will notice that we are getting more spammed posts.
When I posted earlier about “spam’ messages, I was *not* discussing anything. Actually, I was making sure that all member of the group are aware of these types of spam messages. Also, I wanted members be careful about responding or following the links added on the spammer’s email so as to prevent them from falling into the trap.(Check group discussion)
Some member of ESL Sudan had already fallen into the trap when they , as being courteous in welcoming a new member, started to reply to the spammer having no idea of what’s behind this email. The dangers of this type of responding are:
Firstly, it could be an attempt to test if the email address is active and valuable for further spamming.Secondly, we will have more spammers joining the group. Thirdly, following a link like this, could lead to very serious damages to computers, as it may contain computer viruses or spywares that can have access to the computer used. Consequences? Gaining access to files and folders on the computer, send inappropriate information or prone images to all your contact list. I am not going to “discuss” ransomwares, financial scams, losing money in bank accounts, illegal activities, credit card information, drugs, or Internet crimes because the members of this group are teachers of English and not indulged in ANY of the previous dangers. But, this is how things are on the cyberspace and this why more serious actions have been taking place about Internet security issues and active fighting of spam.
Moderating each post could be very difficult in group of large members. Turning on the moderation setting to a group have never meant to BLOCK any teachers from joining in. On the contrary, it will guarantee a safe environment for learning, discussing or collaborating, especially if students are thought to be invited. Please correct me if I wrong, I think this is has been suggested earlier about inviting ASTEL members and students to use the material sent for the DVC. New members only have to drop a line about who are they ( a teacher/ student).
If anyone is interested to know about the danger of spam, you may check these web sites:
About spam: http://kb.iu.edu/data/afne.html
E-mail spam: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail_spam
More about spam: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_(electronic)
Tips on how to deal with spam: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/email/spam.mspx
http://www.cdt.org/speech/spam/030319spamreport.shtml
Thank you for reading until here!
Have a blessful Ramadan!
Hala Fawzi ( Didn't know that this will turn into a long post.Sorry!)
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