All incoming e-mail from the Internet is now routed through the new mail software. In some instances the new software is more aggressive in marking some e-mail as SPAM, while in other cases it is somewhat less aggressive. Overall the rules in place are essentially the same ones used in the old software.

Please continue the practice of sending e-mail you believe is incorrectly marked to our abuse@wittenberg.edu address as we continue to tune the software. Please note that we do need to see the entire message including the headers. (Select the option in the Spam options in the WittLink portal for the easiest way to notify us; in Outlook select view, then option. Cut and paste the information in the window into the message you send to abuse.)

Differences about which you should be aware:

• Previously when an e-mail message arrived with a file type that is not allowed through the mail systems (.exe, scripts, etc.) the message RECIPIENT was notified that the attachment didn't go through and why. Now the message SENDER will receive the notification instead.
• At times you will see the word DISARMED in the subject line of an e-mail message. This indicates that the sender embedded files in the message that allow them to track your reading of the message without your knowledge. Depending on the settings of your email program, they could take control of your computer. All such files are "disarmed" through the new software; since it is a change made to the message the software simply informs you that there was a change made before you received the message. The software disables the hidden controls the sender added without your knowledge.
• At times advertisers, spammers, and even legitimate senders use services who are known spammers and may include a link to a website that doesn't *really* go where the link looks like it should. An example: MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "tcg.pmailus.com" claiming to be www.dramabookshop.com. This may or may not be a problem; the software is letting you know that the link in the e-mail does not match where you'll actually be sent should you click on it. Whether or not you click the link is a buyer-beware type of situation.

Some things have not changed:

• [SPAM] is not added to the subject line of any messages since the change to using a spam quarantine system this summer.
• Messages received with a virus attached are deleted without delivery.
• The whitelist option in the WittLink portal is available for use, allowing each person to make their own decisions about receiving messages from particular senders and/or domains.

If you have any questions, problems, or need more information, please let us know anytime.

Spam quarantine information and help: www4.wittenberg.edu/administration/cctr/webserv/portalspamdoc.html. Help information for using the system is also available in the spam quarantine screens.

Wittenberg Computing Solution Center Solution@wittenberg.edu (937)525-3801