HTML E-mail & Your Privacy

One of my recent posts caused a bunch of readers to e-mail me asking why embedded graphics or formatting in your e-mails were considered “spammy.” So, I’ll try and clarify that for you a bit further so you can understand why embedding graphics or using code in your e-mail can raise red flags.

HTML e-mail can contain code to graphics stored on a remote server so that when you open the email, the graphic is loaded and lets the sender know:

…..you’ve opened the message. Sort of a stealth Return Receipt.
…..you have a valid email message because you opened the email – therefore allowing it to be resold to spammers.
…..your current IP address. Hackers can exploit this as the remote image is a way to retrieve IP addresses for dial-up accounts that receive a different IP every time they log in.
…..depending on how your the email software displays HTML emails and if you click on links that open your browser, the sender of an e-mail message can set a cookie in your browser and thus identify you the next time you visit their site.

So as it always goes, the bad guys (spammers) have ruined for those who have no ulterior motives. In a day when the resources of ISPs and hosting companies are being abused by spammers, I’m glad to see any and all efforts to minimize the spam that ends up in my inbox.

If you want to minimize your risks in these areas, ensure your adware/spyware/virus sofware integrates with your e-mail program and that you update it is constantly.

I use Eudora which doesn’t have as many vulnerabilities as Outlook and includes several options to help minimize my risk even further. HTH!