Watchguard Network Security Practice Test

When configuring SMTP policies, which message characteristic can you monitor to prevent spam effectively?

1. Check URLs in messages with WebBlocker

2. Sender Mail From address

3. Attachment file type

4. Email message header

The correct answer is: Sender Mail From address

Monitoring the sender Mail From address is a crucial characteristic in preventing spam effectively. The Mail From address indicates the origin of the email and helps identify whether the sender is legitimate or potentially malicious. Spam often involves spoofed or fake sender addresses that do not match the domain from which they claim to be sent. By analyzing the sender's address, administrators can implement filtering rules to block emails from known spam domains or suspect addresses, thereby reducing the volume of spam that reaches end-users. Incorporating checks based on the sender Mail From address allows organizations to enforce policies that target emails sent from untrusted or blacklisted domains. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of the email communication system and decreases the likelihood of phishing attacks that rely on deceptive sender addresses. While checking URLs in messages, attachment file types, and email message headers can all contribute to broader spam detection strategies, they either serve a different purpose or may not be as directly focused on identifying spam as the sender Mail From address. As such, leveraging the sender's email address provides a foundational layer in the overall approach to preventing unwanted and harmful emails.