ITSS uses a spam filter for e-mail messages sent/received by its U-mail and GroupWise servers. By matching words, phrases, content and formatting a number ranking is assigned to each e-mail. If the e-mail is ranked between 5 and 14 a label of {SPAM???} is added to the beginning of the Subject. This allows e-mail recipients to filter e-mail locally. Be aware, that no filter is 100% accurate and you should check the messages being filtered to be sure you aren't missing legitimate e-mail messages.

If the e-mail is ranked at 15 or greater it is labeled {SPAM???}{DS} and deleted at the system level. The e-mail recipient will not receive any e-mail labeled {SPAM???}{DS}.

U-mail users may also choose what to do with the messages labeled as spam by going to: http://umailact.und.nodak.edu/umail/setspam.jsp. This method works whether you are using the Web Access for U-mail (UND Webmail) or e-mail software that runs on your computer (e.g. eudora, outlook express). Be aware that if you are using PC-based software (e.g. eudora or outlook express) using POP and you choose to send the spam to the trash, you will have to log onto the Web Access for U-mail (http://und.nodak.edu) to review the messages and periodically empty the trash.

	Enter your U-mail login and password.
	Choose the spam setting and click Update. To exit the settings, click Exit. Please Note: The settings are updated periodically throughout the day and may not take effect immediately.
	You have the following options: - Do NOT deliver any messages marked as Spam. -- All messages marked as spam will be discarded. - Deliver messages marked as spam to the trash. -- You may review the messages by accessing the U-mail trash. Be sure to empty the trash periodically by logging on using Web Access for U-mail (http://und.nodak.edu), choose Folders then Empty Trash. Note: If you are using POP e-mail software (e.g. eudora or outlook express configured for POP) you will also need to log onto U-mail Web Access to check and empty the trash. - Deliver message to the Inbox. --All messages will be delivered as normal. Note: If you are using PC-based e-mail software such as Eudora or Outlook Express and wish to review messages labelled as spam, you may want to choose this setting. You may use the filtering features of your e-mail software to move messages into either a "junk" folder or the trash.

PC-based Email Software:

Instructions for creating filters/rules for the three most common e-mail clients supported by ITSS follow.

Creating a Spam Filter Using Eudora
Creating a Spam Rule Using GroupWise (PDF)
Creating a Spam Filter using Outlook Express
Creating a Filter using Web Access for U-mail

See the NewsBytes article, "Spam, I'd Rather Eat It -- Than Read It!" for general information about spam.