Spam (unwanted email)
Spam is growing at an ever-increasing rate, as is the number of computer viruses sent through email. Spam is a broadcast e-mail, that is usually not sent at the request or with the permission of the recipient. Spam is usually sent by lists that are generated by computers, and are not from legitimate or reputable vendors. To address this, OTIS has implemented filtering procedures for messages sent to any @utsystem.edu email address.
Please note the following:
- All messages and attachments are filtered for viruses.
- If a virus is detected or suspected, the message is automatically deleted.
- Because the vast majority of these messages are sent from false or spoofed email addresses, there is no notification sent.
Two methods are used in our appliance to filter for spam. The first is based on a reputation score that the sender has. The higher the score, the less likely the message is spam. When the score is sufficiently bad, the message is dropped and a 'Did not deliver' message is reported to the sender. Better scored messages are either throttled (only so many in per hour) allowed directly in.
Once messages have made it past the reputation filtering, they are evaluated for spam characteristics. Evaluated messages are either quarantined or delivered to the user.
Junk Mail
Junk Mail - also unwanted email - is mail that is sent from a legitimate vendor, such as an organization or company that you have done business with (Pottery Barn, Walgreens, etc). Junk mail can also be a newsletter or subscription relating to business or personal interest. Usually the sender has gotten your e-mail address from a legitimate list, such as a membership or subscriber list or as someone that has made an on-line order.
Due to the fact that Junk mail senders are usually reputable vendors, and some users have requested and wish to view the e-mails, it is difficult to universally block or classify them as spam.
When possible we are asking users to unsubscribe from the valid but unwanted emails. This is typically done by clicking on an unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email, or sometimes by sending a message with specific text in the subject line.
If you have questions about spam processing or if you have any problems with the delivery of email messages, please contact the Support Desk (512) 499-4357.
