If you’re reading this, you’re probably aware that your email provider can and often does send unsolicited marketing emails (commonly known as spam). If you don’t want to receive these emails, you have a few options. You can opt out of receiving them via the email setting on your phone or computer, or you can sign up for a free email account with a domain name you own (e.g., myname.myemail.com).
While it’s easy enough to opt out of receiving spam, you should bear in mind that not doing so may result in you not being able to receive important emails from your Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. To ensure that you continue to receive important emails from the organization, we’ve put together a simple guide on how to opt out of receiving marketing emails.
Set Up Email Alerts
One of the simplest ways to ensure you continue to receive important emails is to set up email alerts with key word(s) of interest. When a new email is received by your email service, it will be compared to your saved list of alert emails (i.e., those sent to you with important information). If there’s a match, you’ll receive an email notification so that you don’t miss important information. You can set up multiple email alerts from the same service to ensure you never miss an alert from any source.
You can also use a service like Gmail’s Priority Inbox to easily set up email alerts. When you click the + icon next to a message in your Gmail inbox, you’ll see a small priority inbox button. Clicking this button will set up an email alert corresponding to the email message so that you never have to worry about missing important alerts again. You can also stop receiving alerts from any source by clicking the Settings button next to the inbox you’re using and choosing Manage alerts. From here, you can edit your email alerts or delete them altogether. (Gmail)
Use A Different Email Provider
Another way of preventing spam is from using a different email service. Although Google’s Gmail is generally considered to be among the safest and most popular email providers, it’s still far from perfect. If you’re concerned about security, using a different email service is something you should consider. There are plenty of reputable email services out there, all with their perks and quirks. For example, if you’re an Opera fan, you might want to consider using their email service since it’s incredibly easy to use and doesn’t require any special software to access. (Opera)
Outlook.com, which is also owned by Microsoft, is another popular choice among professionals since it’s a secure, free email service. If you have a Microsoft account, you can sign up for a free Outlook.com email address with your name (e.g., john.smith@outlook.com). If you decide that this is the best option for you and your email service, be sure to read our guide on the safest and most secure ways of checking your email. (Microsoft)
Consider A Different Internet Service Provider
If you’re looking for a faster, more stable internet connection, you might want to consider checking out some of the broadband providers that offer fiber optic service in your area. Most internet service providers will advertise their fiber optic speeds, but those speeds aren’t always apparent (i.e., there’s a reason why you might not have seen the advertised speeds). With fiber optic internet service, you get fast speeds without any of the congestion typically associated with online shopping or social networking. There’s also the added security of being connected to a physical network (e.g., the local phone network) rather than relying solely on the internet itself for security.
If you decide that a fiber optic internet service is a better option than traditional broadband or DSL, be sure to read our guide on finding the perfect provider for your needs.
Consider Using A Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) provides secure and private access to various networks (e.g., the internet). Since your computer communicates with the VPN server through an encrypted tunnel, your personal data is safe while connected (e.g., no one can eavesdrop on your Internet traffic). A VPN can also be used to prevent certain websites (e.g., those belonging to businesses you don’t want to do business with) from being identified when you browse the web. If you regularly shop online or use social media, a VPN can be a convenient way to protect your identity and avoid potential scams. (VPN examples)
Consider Using A Proxy Server
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. Your computer initially connects to the proxy server, which then connects you to the website you want to visit. Since your computer doesn’t have a direct connection to the website, it can’t download and upload the necessary data quickly and easily. This can result in a significant slowdown in data transfer speeds compared to direct connections. However, a proxy server has several advantages. First, you don’t need to be online to use one, as you simply need an internet connection to connect to one (e.g., you can use a mobile VPN to access your proxy server). Second, a proxy server provides added security by concealing your IP address, which is your internet address, as well as that of the site you’re visiting. (VPN examples)
Consider Using A Digital Signature
A digital signature is a way of verifying the authenticity of an email or other document you’re receiving. It proves that the claim made in the email or other document is true because it’s been signed with a private key belonging to that person. One of the best things about a digital signature is that it provides the ability to verify the authenticity of an email or other document without having to constantly compare it to copies you may have obtained elsewhere (e.g., it’s very difficult to determine whether a given email has been altered). (Examples)
Consider Using A Different Browser
Browsers are the software applications that you use to access the internet (e.g., Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox). Each browser comes with a set of tools built into the program that make surfing the web easier and more enjoyable. Some of these tools are beneficial while others are purely cosmetic. (Examples)
Consider Installing More Than One Browser
Since each browser provides a unique set of features and tools, it’s best to have more than one installed on your computer. Having more than one browser installed allows you to choose the one that’s best suited to your needs at any given time. For example, if you regularly shop online, it might be convenient to have both Safari and Chrome installed. This way, you can use one of the browsers to shop and the other one to check your email. (Examples)
Consider Installing A Note Taking App
A free app like Evernote allows you to make quick notes and draw quick sketches on the go. Since it’s possible to install Evernote on your phone and use it while offline, it’s a popular choice for those who need to make notes quickly but don’t necessarily have access to a computer. There are also several desktop clients available for Evernote, such as the Evernote Web Clipper. (Examples)
Consider Using A Content Filtering Application
Most internet users are aware that their email servers often receive spam from unknown or dubious sources. To protect your personal data from being misused by others, you might want to consider using a content filtering application. These applications scan incoming email for potentially dangerous content (e.g., malware, phishing scams, etc.) and block it from being viewed. In addition, many content filtering applications can be configured to automatically delete spam messages that arrive at your email accounts. (Examples)
Consider Using An Email Client With An SPF Record
Since your email provider cannot guarantee the authenticity of the email it forwards to you, you should exercise caution when opening and responding to emails you receive. A good email client will let you know when you’re interacting with an unrecognized (or fake) email source. (Examples)
Consider Setting Up A Firewall
If you use your computer for business purposes, you might want to consider investing in a firewall. A firewall can protect your computer from malware and other threats by controlling which programs can connect to the internet and which ones can’t. (Examples)