On Spam Susceptibility and Browser Updating

This study examines the intersection between the group of users susceptible to spam and users who continue to use out-dated browsers. Specifically, it empirically determines if an association between unsafe user behaviour and the use of an out-dated browser exists. A case study is conducted wherein spam-like emails are sent to 25,000 random email users. The emails each contain a link to a webpage that records information on any visitors. The collected data is parsed and analyzed. Information was recorded on 90 distinct visitors. Analysis showed that approximately 66% of visitors were using out-dated browsers. The work implies that future research on the problem of spam should include browser version information (as a dichotomous variable) as a covariant in their analysis. The results suggest that greater effort must be put into educating the public about safe online behaviour and best practices, including the importance of updating software. DOI: 10.4018/jssoe.2012010103 International Journal of Systems and Service-Oriented Engineering, 3(1), 44-57, January-March 2012 45 Copyright © 2012, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. improve online security. For example, if many users of up-to-date browsers exhibit unsafe behaviour, it suggests that further education and awareness is necessary for all; in the meantime, continued updates and improvements are helpful and effective. On the other hand, if unsafe behaviour is only seen among users of out-dated browsers, more effort should be put into ensuring that these users upgrade and patch their software as new versions become available. Security will always depend on the user as security programs and other safeguards can only do so much (Hazari, 2001, 2010; Orgill, Romney, Bailey, & Orgill, 2004; Werner, 2005). It is arguable that a user with good habits and knowledge of safe practices, even on an unprotected, out-dated system, is better off than a reckless user on an up-to-date and “secured” machine. Updates and patches are not as important if they only serve to protect those who can already protect themselves.