If you’ve noticed more junk mail creeping into your inbox lately, you’re not alone. According to Statista, nearly 45% of all email traffic worldwide is spam. While much of it is harmless advertising, some of it is far more dangerous—containing phishing links, malware, or scams designed to steal sensitive information.
For businesses, spam isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a security risk. A single misplaced click on a malicious email can open the door to costly cyberattacks. That’s why reducing spam should be part of your broader cybersecurity strategy. Below are some simple but effective ways to cut down on unwanted emails and keep your inbox (and your network) safe.
Tips to Reduce Spam Emails
1. Use a Business-Class Email Filter
Enterprise-grade email filters like Inky, Barracuda, or Microsoft Defender for Office 365 provide layers of protection against spam, phishing, and malware. These tools do more than just sort your email—they actively analyze messages for malicious intent before they ever hit your inbox.
2. Don’t Click “Unsubscribe” on Suspicious Emails
It might feel like a quick way to stop unwanted messages, but clicking “unsubscribe” on a suspicious email can actually do more harm than good. It tells spammers that your email address is active, which can lead to even more spam. Instead, mark these emails as junk or phishing through your email client.
3. Mark Suspicious Email as Spam or Junk
Use your email client’s “Report Spam” or “Mark as Junk” feature. This helps your spam filter learn and improve.
4. Don’t Share Your Business Email Publicly
Spammers often harvest email addresses from public websites and social media. Limit where your business email is posted online, and use contact forms when possible instead of listing email addresses on your website.
5. Use a Separate Email Address for Sign-Ups
Create a dedicated email account for things like newsletters, online shopping, or free software downloads. This can help keep your primary business inbox clean and focused.
6. Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi in coffee shops, airports, and hotels can be convenient—but it’s also risky. Avoid checking email or entering credentials on public networks unless you’re using a VPN.
7. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even with the best filters, some spam and phishing emails will slip through. MFA ensures that even if someone gets your password, they can’t easily access your account.
8. Review and Adjust Spam Filter Settings
Take time to regularly review your email filter settings. Many platforms offer customizable rules that can help you block or quarantine unwanted messages more effectively.
9. Report It
Forward suspicious emails to your IT department or provider. They’ll be able to investigate and block future threats.
Conclusion
Spam might seem like a minor annoyance, but it has serious implications for business security. With nearly half of global email traffic being spam, it’s more important than ever to be proactive about protecting your inbox. A combination of smart technology, strong user habits, and ongoing education can significantly reduce your exposure to junk mail and cyber threats.
If you’re unsure whether your current email security setup is doing enough to keep spam and threats at bay, we’re here to help. Schedule a quick discovery call with our team to evaluate your current protections and get expert advice on strengthening your defenses.
