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Unwanted emails can quickly become a nuisance and clog up your inbox. We show you how to block email addresses and protect yourself from spam and unwanted messages.
Blocking email addresses: Why it’s important to stop spam
The flood of unwanted emails is often overwhelming and disruptive. Blocking email addresses is a good way to protect yourself from spam and phishing attacks.
- Many of these unwanted messages contain links or attachments that can harm your computer. By blocking the senders, you minimize the risk of becoming a victim of such an attack.
- Blocking unwanted messages from specific senders also helps protect your privacy.
- Many people also use email filters to automatically move unwanted messages to the spam folder.
- However, sometimes this is not enough. Blocking senders directly is a secure option to permanently avoid certain emails.
How to block email addresses
There are several ways to block email addresses. The steps vary slightly depending on the email service you use.
- Most email services, such as Gmail or Outlook, allow you to block email addresses directly. This option is usually found in the menu when you open a message.
- Blocking an email address ensures that messages from this sender are moved directly to the spam folder or deleted – it is technically rare to completely prevent messages from being received.
- In addition to manual blocking, it is therefore a good idea to set up email filters that must meet specific criteria before a message is recognized as spam. Such filters can automatically recognize certain words, phrases, or sender addresses.
- Some email providers offer special spam protection features that automatically flag and block suspicious emails. These automated systems are constantly updated to detect and defend against new threats.
- For advanced users, third-party tools can be a useful addition. These programs offer advanced features that go beyond the standard options of popular email services.
Additional security measures: More than just blocking email addresses
To increase the effectiveness of your defense against spam and unwanted messages, additional measures are necessary.
- Use strong and unique passwords for your email accounts to prevent unauthorized access. Changing your passwords frequently also increases security.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email account. This additional layer of security ensures that even if your password is compromised, no one will be able to access your account.
- Be careful with your personal information. Only disclose your email address to trusted sites and services.
- Stay informed about current security threats and adjust your protective measures accordingly.
