End-User Frequently Asked Questions
How does one log in to the SpamShield Message Center?
What is the interface like?
How do users get SpamShield passwords?
Can the password be changed?
What if an end-user can't log in to their SpamShield Message Center?
What if users don't want SpamShield services?
Will SpamShield still work if users change email service providers?
Do SpamShield Assistants work when I send mail or only when I receive it?
What browsers does SpamShield support?
Why do I need to enable cookies when logging in to my Message Center?
Privacy & Security
How do I make suggestions to SpamShield?
How does SpamShield handle security?
Do SpamShield services compromise privacy?
End-User Frequently Asked Questions
How does an end-user log in to the SpamShield Message Center?
After an email provider activates SpamShield services, end-users will receive an "Activation Message" containing login instructions with password details. The password may be the same as a user's existing email account or a specific SpamShield-enabled password may alternatively have been provided. End-users will also receive email notifications with login instructions when suspicious messages have been directed to their SpamShield Message Center.
What is the interface like?
To check messages or alter settings, users will first log in. After successfully logging in, their personal SpamShield Message Center appears, where they can review the messages that SpamShield identified as suspicious. The SpamShield Message Center is the web-based application where users find all SpamShield service settings and messages. SpamShield settings can be easily adjusted to accommodate end-user's unique needs and habits.
How do end-users get SpamShield passwords?
SpamShield integrates with an email provider's existing authentication, so that the password remains the same as the user's existing email account; alternatively, an email provider may supply a new, temporary, password that can be changed after a user's first log in to the Message Center.
In some cases, SpamShield provides a new temporary password when the user account is activated. The user is requested to change this temporary password after first log in.
Can the password be changed?
If the email provider utilizes its authentication mechanism for Message Center login, then the password must be changed through their user support system. However, if SpamShield account passwords are used, password changes can be initiated online from within the Message Center settings; users may also request your password after a failed login attempt by clicking the "Forgot your Password?" link.
The SpamShield website will automatically detect which authentication system is used during your log in and provide the correct instructions for changing your password in the event of log in failure.
What if an end-user can't log in to their SpamShield Message Center?
End-users should first try their email account password. If the password fails, the login page will display instructions for how to retrieve a password based on the authentication method used for the email provider.
What if end-users don't want SpamShield services?
SpamShield is user-configurable, allowing users to simply turn off one or all SpamShield email services. Typically, email providers will determine default settings for their customers. If those setting are too intrusive or not effective enough, users are welcome to adjust them at any time.
Will SpamShield still work if end-users change email service providers?
SpamShield accounts are unique to an email address. If users move to another service that includes SpamShield services, then they can continue to use SpamShield. If the new provider does not have SpamShield, users should contact their provider's support desk to request SpamShield services.
Does SpamShield work when I send mail or only when I receive it?
Currently, SpamShield only processes incoming email.
What browsers does SpamShield support?
SpamShield supports version 4 (v4) and above of Netscape and Internet Explorer.
Why do I need to enable cookies when logging into my Message Center?
The main purpose of cookies is to identify you as a unique SpamShield services end-user and prepare Web pages that reflect your personalized SpamShield applications. When you enter the Message Center using cookies, SpamShield is generating a customized experience—your application settings, your quarantined email. Some information, such as your login email address, is packaged into a cookie and sent to your Web browser which stores it for later use; for example, the next time you log in, your browser will send the cookie to SpamShield so that only your password is required—saving you time. SpamShield does not track any personal information in its cookies or request any personal information through the Message Center—cookies are simply used to ensure you are in control of your email.
Privacy & Security
How do I make suggestions to SpamShield?
To submit feedback, please use the support portal.
How does SpamShield handle security?
SpamShield takes the security and privacy of user data seriously.
To ensure data integrity, SpamShield has stringent back-up schedules as well as redundant systems for load balancing. To ensure availability, SpamShield administrators work with administrators at Exodus Communications, where SpamShield's physical equipment is located, to ensure 24x7 up time and the integrity of the system.
Do SpamShield services compromise your privacy?
No. Neither SpamShield employees nor its business partners ever read an end-user's email that is being processed during the course of normal mail delivery. Instead, it is the SpamShield Assistants software applications that process email behind-the-scenes automatically.