Spam emails are unsolicited messages sent in bulk to a large number of recipients. They can range from harmless advertisements to malicious attempts to steal personal information or spread malware. Despite efforts to combat spam, it remains a pervasive problem that affects email users worldwide.
In this article, we’ll explore the scale of the spam by examining how many spam emails are sent daily. We’ll also take a look at the global picture and discuss methods for reducing spam volume.
The Numbers
Estimates of the number of spam emails sent daily vary widely. According to Techjury, about 60 billion spam emails will be sent daily between 2019 to 2023.
PitchFunnel estimates that more than 159 billion spam emails are sent each day. Other sources have different answers to this question, with some studies indicating that the number of spam emails may be as high as 84%.
Despite these varying estimates, it’s clear that a staggering number of spam emails are sent every day. This has significant implications for email users worldwide.
The Global Picture
Top Spamming Countries
The United States of America is at the top sending around 8 billion spam emails daily. Czechia is coming at a close second, sending 7.7 billion spam emails. Netherlands is in third place, with 7.6 billion spam emails.
Top spam senders by country in the last day
| Country | Last day volume (billions) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 7.90 | +2% |
| China | 7.20 | +8.92% |
| France | 7.10 | +1.58% |
| Turkey | 6.80 | +7.71% |
| Germany | 6.80 | +3.04% |
| Netherlands | 6.80 | +7.27% |
| Russia | 6.70 | +2.17% |
| Japan | 6.70 | +6.45% |
| Spain | 6.60 | +2.84% |
| United Kingdom | 6.60 | -0.78% |
Source: Talos Intelligence (3 July, 2023)
Reducing Spam Volume
There are several methods that individuals and organizations can use to reduce the volume of spam emails they receive:
- Use an email filter: Many popular email providers have strong spam filters on by default. These filters can be adjusted to better suit your needs.
- Block images in HTML messages: Spammers often use images as web beacons to track if an email has been opened. By blocking all images, you can reduce the amount of information spammers have about you.
- Junk the Junk: A tracking pixel is a small and often invisible image loaded when a user opens an email which can be used to track if an email has been opened. By blocking these pixels, you can reduce the amount of information spammers have about you.
- Choose a “Less-Guessable” Email Address: Spammers often use software that generates random email addresses. By choosing an email address that is less likely to be generated by this software, you can reduce the amount of spam you receive.
- Be Cautious When Giving Out Your Email Address: Only give out your email address to people and organizations that you trust.
- Use Antispam and Antivirus Software: Antispam and antivirus software can help block spam emails before they reach your inbox.
- Train Your Spam Filter: Most spam filters allow users to mark emails as spam or not spam. By doing this regularly, you can help improve the accuracy of your spam filter.
- Unsubscribe From Mailing Lists: If you no longer wish to receive emails from a mailing list, use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of their emails.
- Use Temporary Mail: For any communication that is not important, you can use temporary mail services, such as 10-minute email.
Spam Email Statistics
Spam emails are a major issue for individuals and organizations alike. Here are some statistics that highlight the scale of the problem:
- The average number of legitimate email messages sent over the internet each day is 22.43 billion.
- Nearly 85% of all emails are spam. Advertising makes up 36% of all world spam content.
- Adult-related content is the second-biggest spam category, accounting for roughly 31.7% of all spam messages.
- 26.5% of all unwanted emails are related to financial matters, which is the third-biggest spam email category.
Email spam costs businesses $20.5 billion every year. Scams and fraud comprise only 2.5% of all spam email; however, phishing statistics indicate that identity theft makes up 73% of this figure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, spam emails are a major issue that affects individuals and organizations alike. While there are several methods that can be used to reduce the volume of spam emails received, it remains a persistent problem. By being cautious when giving out email addresses and using tools such as email filters and antispam software, individuals and organizations can take steps to protect themselves from the negative effects of spam.
