Reporting SPAM

Unsolicited or junk email, commonly known as spam, is becoming more prevalent as the use of email grows. The University has instigated a mechanism where most spam from external sources never reaches the University's email server.

Occasionally some SPAM will still sneak through. It is important to report any SPAM you receive, but this must be done within 24 hours of receiving it.You must report SPAM by forwarding the original message as an attachment.

1. Select the spam message in Outlook
2. From the Actions menu, select Forward As Attachment (Ctrl+Alt+F)
3. In the To... field, enter:spam@access.ironport.com; report@submit.spam.acma.gov.au
   
4. Ensure the spam is included as an attachment and click Send

Spam detection and filtering at Deakin

Deakin's spam detection has been greatly enhanced with the introduction of a commercial spam and virus filtering appliance, IronPort, as an outer layer of spam defence. This device can perform up to five types of filtering on messages from external sources before they reach the Deakin mail server.

How does spam and virus detection work?

The first level of spam and virus checking at Deakin takes place on messages before they reach the Deakin mail server and has several stages:

• The first level check is to identify if the message is from a reputable source and involves comparing the originating domain and/or IP address with a known list of spam sources and assigning a "reputation index" to the message.
• The next level involves a context check including content and method of message construction.
• Messages are then checked against a list of known viruses.

Messages 'failing' any of these tests are not passed to the Deakin mail server and will never be received.

The IronPort provides an added level of virus protection due to the fact that it is connected to similar devices around the world. These devices can recognise trends in messages that may indicate a developing virus. Suspect messages are held for a period of time to allow for the creation of an appropriate virus definition if necessary. If a virus is subsequently identified they never reach the Deakin mail server, if not they are passed on at the end of the "quarantine" period.

Want to know more?

You can find further information on how to manage and reduce spam from the Australian Government Stay Smart Online website.

To get really skilled up, take a few minutes and do the Spam Quiz.