Tech Guides :: Email :: Filters for SPAM
SPAM Filtering on HSU Email Server
The ITS Spam/Virus filtering service is now being provided by use of a hardware device specifically designed to handle this enormous task. This device has many customizable features and capabilities. The current configuration is set to block SPAM/VIRUSES from "known" spammers by using Real Time Blacklists (RBL). In addition to blocking based on Real Time Blacklists, email message attachments are scanned for known viruses.
Email messages are then evaluated for SPAM content and are assigned a score between 0 and 10 (with 0 being not likely to be spam and 10 most likely to be spam). Currently any message scoring 3.5 or higher are being tagged with [SPAM?] in the subject and passed along to the recipient to filter as they choose using an email client.
Customize Individual SPAM Settings
Individuals may now customize their personal SPAM settings by setting up an account on the Barracuda SPAM filtering server. Each Humboldt email address and alias will need an account on the system. For example, if your HSU email address is jdq1@humboldt.edu and you have also established an alias of John.Doe@humboldt.edu both addresses will need to have an account on the Barracuda server. (Email Aliases are currenly available for Staff and Faculty only.)
Using Message Filters
Message filters allow users to select messages based on rules or categories such as the Subject or From fields and move the message to a folder or to the trash to save or delete them. Instructions on how to use filters for some popular email clients are below. If you are using a client other than the ones below, use the applications Help feature to locate instructions for setting up filters or contact the Help Desk.
- HSU Webmail
- Microsoft Outlook 2002
- Eudora 6.0 Windows — see note below.
- Eudora 6.0 Macintosh — see note below.
- Microsoft Entourage Version 10
- Server Side Filters — To set up filters
in your own account on the HSU email server,
i.e. if you use Pine.
Eudora Note: to set a filter for SPAM using the on-line example, in the Header: box choose Subject: and enter [SPAM?] in the contains box.
NOSPAM Directs the Server to Delete Mail Detected as [SPAM?]
You can choose to activate a process where email messages tagged as Subject: [SPAM?] will be deleted by the server so that you do not receive them in your mail account. To activate .NOSPAM:
- Compose a message from your HSU email account to nospam@humboldt.edu.
- Type NOSPAM, in uppercase, as the Subject.
- Type one of the following commands in the body of the message.
These commands must be in uppercase and must begin in the first column of the body.
KILLSPAM — to create the .NOSPAM file, deleting spam
SAVESPAM — to remove the .NOSPAM file, to continue receiving messages marked [SPAM?]
INFO — to receive this INFO as an email message - Send the message. You will receive a confirmation message to your KILLSPAM or SAVESPAM request. Simply reply to this message for confirmation and your request will be processed.
Need More Information or Assistance?
Contact the Help Desk if you need assistance with filters or setting up a whitelist.
