Techniques to stop spam fall into two categories: Filtering out spam and minimizing the exposure of your email addresses

Anti-Spam Tips	Reason
Use unusual email addresses	Some spammers use computer programs to guess at email addresses. Using unusual email addresses containing numbers and letters can thwart this tactic.
Don't provide email address over IM	Do not send your email address through chat rooms, instant message services or Internet bulletin boards and newsgroups.
Provide a form not an email address	If you want to enable users of your Web site to contact you online, provide a form. Make sure the "send to" email address is not contained in the page HTML, but in the form processing script.
Never reply to spam messages.	Never reply to spam messages even when they entice you to reply to "remove" you from their mailing lists. Often the instructions are either bogus, or a way to collect more addresses. Replying confirms to the spammers that your email address is active, and you may receive even more spam.
Use fake email addresses	Most Web-based sign-up forms require an email address. If you don't want to hear from the site (and don't need a confirmation e-mail or tech support), don't give a real email address.
Opt out	When you do sign up for or buy something online and you have to give out an email address, remember to opt out of everything you're not absolutely sure you want to receive.
Never submit personal information to non-secure Web sites	Never submit your credit card details or other personal information to non-secure Web sites. Secure Web sites will have a locked padlock icon that appears in yellow, or in a yellow box, on the bottom bar of the order form Web browser.
Use a Barracuda Spam Firewall	Even if you follow the above, you're still going to receive spam. By installing a Barracuda Spam Firewall, your company's spam will be immediately reduced. Try it today and reclaim your email.

Anti-Spyware Tip	Reason
Keep your system updated	Keep your system updated-- including all anti-viral and anti-spyware packages. New spyware comes out every day. Un-patched, un-updated systems are simply asking to be infected. Update the operating system, too.
Do not click on links within pop-up windows	Pop-up windows are often spyware activators. Clicking on a pop-up link may install spyware software on your computer. Close the popup with the "X" on the titlebar and not the "close" link, if any, within the window.
Do not download any files from strangers	Do not download files from strangers even if the subject line sounds like they know you. All it takes is one downloaded file to propagate a virus or install malicious spyware.
Be careful when downloading files from the Internet	Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. If you are uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-spyware and anti-virus software.
Set your Barracuda Web Filter to update automatically	Over 90 percent of all computers connected to the Internet are infected with spyware. Barracuda Networks automatically updates your Web Filter with the most current spyware rules and definitions every hour for robust protection.
Be skeptical of free downloads	Many sites offering customized toolbars or other goodies are come-ons. Don't download programs from sites you don't trust or know. You may well be exposing your computer to spyware by downloading some of these programs.
Don't follow e-mail links offering anti-spyware software	Be careful! These links may actually install the spyware they claim to be keeping off your system.
Don't download browser code	Many spyware programs pop up an official-looking dialog box asking if you want to download a browser plug-in. These pop-ups may look official, but they are really spyware waiting to install a flurry of pop-ups, undesirable toolbars, or other unwanted content. Certificates won't protect you from adware and other online annoyances carried by these ActiveX controls.

Anti-Virus Tips	Reason
Do not open attachments from unknown senders	Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source, or any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected.
Do not open unknown files or attachments	Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Even if you know the sender, it's better to be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.
Do not download any files from strangers	Do not download files from strangers even if the subject line sounds like they know you. All it takes is one downloaded file to propagate a virus.
Always scan diskettes or CD disks for viruses	Always scan diskettes or CD disks that have been obtained from unreliable resources for viruses. If you lend your diskette to someone, scan it when it is returned.
Be careful when downloading files from the Internet	Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software.
Set your Barracuda Spam Firewall to update automatically	Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected. Barracuda Networks automatically updates your Spam Firewall with the most current virus definitions every hour.
Back up your files on a regular basis	Make sure your important data is backed up regularly and the procedures for restoring your data work properly. This way, should you get hit with a virus, at least you will be able to restore your most important data. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.