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Oracle Tips by Burleson |
Web Stalkers
Chapter 13 - Spam, Spam,
Spam, Spam
Learning More about Spam
The “Decode URL” function can then be used to
help identify the true source of this address. Figure 13.9 below
shows the results of this function for both the link and its
associated location. It is easy to see that the web page the user
would be directed to is not part of the bank’s website. In fact, it
is not even registered with DNS.
Figure 13.9 - DNS lookup can be used to
validate and address.
The main lesson to take from this example is
that caution is advised when dealing with links associated with
unsolicited e-mail. Researching before acting can save time and
money in the end. Whether simply making a phone call to the
customer service department of the company in question to verify
their e-mail message, or using some of the sophisticated tools that
have been presented, be sure to investigate.
A Case Study in Spam
Several weeks after taking a family vacation in
San Diego, one person received the message shown in Figure 13.10
below:
Figure 13.10 - Spam sometimes contains
offers that are too good to be true.
The recipient of this message remembered that
he had supplied his secondary e-mail address when checking into a
hotel while on vacation. Whether his e-mail address was sold to a
marketing company or the hotel system was hacked and his address
stolen really makes no difference. He is now the target of a
marketing campaign.
Is the offer legitimate? Consider carefully
who the message is from;
GRG@home211.meaninglessdomainname.com. This unusual
address should make the recipient suspicious. If the message had
been received from sdchamber.org, the recipient might have more
confidence since this is the address for the San Diego Chamber of
Commerce. Savvy users always research and investigate.
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