Email



=**Email**= Email has changed the way we communicate. The development of this technology has dramatically increased the speed in which we correspond with one another. The only requirement is internet access.

There are many benefits to email as a form of correspondence versus the previous method of postal mail. Postal mail is very time consuming, as the delivery is contingent upon physical travel. Additionally, there is a cost. This cost ranges upon the size, weight, destination and time (of delivery). These factors alone make email a prime choice. Email is fast and efficient. It cost nothing, and can be accessed from computers, mobile smart-phones and personal handheld devices. The messages can be sent and responded within moments from being sent out, unlike the postal service, which would require days. With the rapidly changing technology, email addresses allow for larger amounts of storage, this is beneficial in that the email itself can be used as a file-cabinet to store your correspondences, files, documents, images and video. Not only is it free storage, but most email services can be accessed from anywhere, so there is no reason to carry around documents when you can just store them in your email. With today's phone, these documents and emails can be viewed 24/7. Giving users the option of immediate response, reference, and up-to-date notification of their messages.
 * Benefits**

Privacy is a huge concern that often goes misunderstood. Not only are there privacy laws established by the government, but all companies and email providers can have their own, individual rules. Many companies have full access to all of the emails sent using their systems. Other's view all email accessed on their systems; this could include personal mail as well. The boundaries of what can be viewed and what is hidden are transparent, and often times someone can be completely unaware that they are being monitored.
 * Privacy Issues**

Another large privacy issue is formed through the ease of forwarding. By forwarding email's, multiple viewers can see the message, without any permission or power from the sender.

Electronic Information Act of 1986 (ECPA) was passed, and amended upon the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (OCCSSA). The OCCSSA required law enforcement to obtain search warrants prior to being able to perform searches. Here the ECPA address that it was illegal to intercept emails and other new communication technologies, that are not sent to you, as well as emails stored on ones hard drives. These Privacy Laws were later amended again in 1978 The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) and 2001 US Patriot Act.


 * Hacking, Phishing,** **Viruses and SPAM**

Although there are many benefits to high-speed email access, there are many dangers associated with electronic communication. These include hacking, phishing, the spread of malicious viruses and the most frequent problem, SPAM. Hacking is the most dangerous of the four listed, as a hacker can send out messages that appear to come from you. Usually the hacker is searching for something. Phishing is the electronic version of the "con-man." In this instance, a fake email address will contact you requesting you send them information. This email may appear to be from your bank, a lawyer or another business organization, asking you to provide or update some personal information. Sometimes these emails will lead you to a fake website, ie: ebay, where once your information is inserted, it is stolen. Viruses cause malfunctioning or slow-down of your computer or technological device, often virus can lead to the ease of hacking, or the removal of important computer function. Spam, is junk mail, it is the most frequently received method of mass marketing. Spam suppliers take millions of email addresses and sell them to other companies, where they promise to contact millions of viewers. Often spam is an advertisement, but it can just as likely be a link to a virus or phisher.


 * References**

"Fact Sheet 18: Online Privacy: Using the Internet Safely." Online Privacy: Using the Internet Safely. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. . "Glossary." Computer Virus Attacks, Information, News, Security, Detection and Removal. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. . "Privacy & Civil Liberties." IT.OJP.GOV Home. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. .