Technical
Cyber threats like spam, bots, and online abuse show us where the internet is weak and why we need to think carefully about how we use it. In this blog, we explain how these threats push us to make smarter choices, about the platforms we trust and how we protect our data. With more awareness, we can build a safer and fairer internet together.
Photo via Newman Web Solutions
Spam is maybe the most visible dark side of the web. These are unwanted messages that fill our inboxes and sometimes try to trick us. Often it’s just annoying ads, but sometimes they contain phishing links that try to steal personal data.
Spam shows how dangerous scale can be online: with one click, attackers can reach millions of people. Radar (2024) explains that spam often happens because we share our email addresses too easily. Once your address is out there, you may get spam for years. In some cases, it’s even easier to make a new email address than to keep deleting unwanted mail.
Besides spam, bots are another big online threat. Bots are automated programs that can work very fast. They can be helpful, but they also have a dark side: bad bots are used to break into accounts, create fake traffic, or spread misinformation. For hackers, bots are powerful tools. They are fast, hard to see, and hard to stop.
In the digital world, our data is very valuable. Email addresses, passwords, clicks, and even location data can be useful for criminals. They may use it for identity theft, targeted attacks, or simply sell it. Every time we quickly click ‘accept’ or sign up for a new service, we give away part of that value. But the question is: to whom?
Many threats only become serious because of our own behavior. Weak passwords, ignoring updates, or clicking on unknown links make us vulnerable.
The Consumentenbond (2024) says spam filters are useful, but only if people also report suspicious emails. ConsuWijzer (z.d.) adds that we must tell the difference between simple spam and phishing. Phishing can cause real harm. Criminals make it harder by building fake websites and logos to gain trust. Being digitally literate is the key to recognizing this (SeniorWeb, 2024).
Spam is rarely an isolated problem. DELTA (z.d.) points out that it often comes together with viruses or malware. So we need to look at online safety in a broader way: not only cleaning the inbox, but also installing updates, using antivirus protection, and thinking carefully about where we share our data.
The law also protects us. The Rijksoverheid (z.d.) says spam is not allowed in the Netherlands unless you have given permission. You always have the right to unsubscribe for free. This shows we are not powerless, we can hold companies responsible if they misuse our data.
The main lesson is that online safety is a mix of technology, behavior, knowledge, and rights. Spam filters, updates, and laws help but our own actions are still the most important. By staying alert, not clicking suspicious links, and improving our digital skills, we lower the risk of becoming a victim of spam, phishing, or other online threats.
Spam is annoying, but it can also teach us something: it shows how vulnerable we are, and how much stronger we can be if we use the internet more carefully.