Technology Explained

Still Receiving Emails After Unsubscribing? Here’s What to Do

Published

1 year ago

September 7, 2023

Ethan Daniel

Still Receiving Emails After Unsubscribing?

Unsubscribing from emails should get you taken off the mailing list. But if you’re still getting some slip through, here’s what to do.

Have you ever unsubscribed from a company’s email list, only to receive another email from them the next day? If a sender has already annoyed you enough to hit the unsubscribe button, the last thing you want is to see their name pop up in your inbox almost instantly.

Why Am I Still Receiving Emails After Unsubscribing?

Unsubscribing should be the hassle-free way to stop receiving unwanted emails, but it doesn’t always do the trick. There are several reasons you might continue to receive emails from a company, even after unsubscribing:

You’re signed up to multiple email lists: Many companies will try to sign you up for multiple email lists (marketing, news, customer service, etc.), which means you have to unsubscribe from all of them to stop receiving any emails from them.
It takes time to update email lists: Hitting the unsubscribe button doesn’t instantly remove you from an email list. Companies have to update their lists, and this can take time, depending on the system they use and their inclination to act quickly.
Technical issues can happen: While the chances are relatively slim, technical problems do happen. For example, the company could break something during an update or their email system might experience downtime, failing to unsubscribe anyone during such periods.
The company needs to send certain emails: If you’re still buying from the company or using their products, they’ll need to send certain types of email–no matter how much you unsubscribe: transactional emails, T&Cs updates, pricing changes, etc.
Some companies ignore unsubscribe requests: No, it’s not fair, but some companies simply don’t play by the rules.

While none of these reasons makes it any less annoying that you’re still receiving emails, they can help you take actionable steps to protect your inbox. Before we go any further, though, make sure you only unsubscribe from emails you recognize–never unsubscribe from suspected spam emails.

How to Stop Unsubscribed Companies Sending You More Emails

Now you know the main reasons you can still receive emails from a company after unsubscribing, you can take steps to address them.

1. Check Your Email Subscription Settings

The first thing to do if you’re still receiving emails after unsubscribing is to check whether you’re signed up to multiple email lists. If you have an account with the company, sign in to your account and check your email settings or preferences in the back end of the system.

For example, if you’re receiving a bunch of emails from Instagram, log into your account and click Settings and privacy > Email notifications to change your email preferences.

Image by https://www.makeuseof.com/

If you don’t have an account with the company in question, go back to one of the emails they’ve sent you and cycle through their unsubscribing process again. Make sure you click the unsubscribe link in their email, not the one in your email client.

As you repeat the unsubscribe cycle, look out for anything that shows you’re signed up for multiple lists: checkboxes, toggles, etc. Read every step of the unsubscribe process carefully for anything that suggests you’re signed up for other lists or will continue to receive certain types of email.

For example, if you’re still using a company’s software product, you’ll continue to receive emails for updates on pricing, purchase confirmations, etc.

Also, keep an eye out for links to the company’s privacy policy or anything related to email practices that could explain why you’re still receiving emails. You might even see some small print explaining why you’ll still receive occasional emails or that it takes up to 24 to 48 hours for your email address to be removed from their lists.

Hopefully, repeating the unsubscribe process will provide the answers you need. If it doesn’t, head to the company’s website and take a look at their privacy policy on email communication.

2. Wait a Day or Two for Settings to Change

Most companies use email marketing systems to automate communications. These software tools automatically send emails to recipients and handle a range of other tasks, including unsubscribes. Some of these systems will update email lists as soon as you hit the unsubscribe button, but many don’t.

It could take anywhere between 24 and 48 hours for an email system to update its contact lists. This means you’ll continue to receive emails from the sender until their system has run the next update cycle.

In an ideal world, companies will inform you of this during the unsubscribe process, but many don’t. In fairness, a lot of companies may not realize there’s a delay or even pay much attention to subscription requests. Either way, it’s always worth waiting 24 to 48 hours after unsubscribing before you take any further action.

3. Report As Spam If You’re Still Receiving Email

If you’ve waited 24 to 48 hours after unsubscribing, and you’ve done everything possible to make sure you’re not signed up to other email lists, it’s time to take stronger action. By this point, any company that’s still sending you unwanted emails is spamming you, so you should start marking any further emails as spam.

If you’re using Gmail, you can do this by selecting the checkbox next to any spam emails, and then click the Report spam button.

This won’t stop further emails coming through, but every spam report is another black mark on their email sender reputation with ISPs. This means more of their emails will head straight to people’s spam folders and their email marketing efforts will suffer. So, even though it’s annoying to keep dealing with these emails, every spam report you submit is making a difference.

Image by https://www.makeuseof.com/

4. Block the Sender to Stop Receiving Email

If you reach a point where you simply want to stop receiving further emails from a particular sender, you can block them completely. The easiest way to do this in Gmail is to click the three-dot icon at the top of an email and select Block [sender name] from the dropdown menu.

Image by https://www.makeuseof.com/

Keep in mind that this only blocks the exact email address used to send the email in question. So, if the company uses a bunch of email addresses for different types of emails, you won’t block them all.

A more robust method is to create a custom email filter. You can do this in Gmail by clicking the gear icon (Settings) > See all settings > Filters and blocked addresses.

Image by https://www.makeuseof.com/

Next, click on the Create a new filter link and this will bring up the following box:

This time, you want to type in the domain name of the email sender into the From field, which is normally the text following the @ symbol. For example, emailprefix@domain.com. This will block all emails from the domain, so it’ll block anything sent from other people or departments at the same company.

Unfortunately, this still won’t protect you from companies that keep switching domain names to get past spam filters. However, you can type the company name into the Includes the words field and this will help filter out any emails that include the company’s name (which should be all of them).

Image by https://www.makeuseof.com/

Again, this isn’t foolproof, but it should deal with the vast majority of emails from legitimate companies.

5. Raise a Complaint With the Company

Hopefully, the steps we’ve covered will help you deal with any unwanted emails that you’ve tried to unsubscribe from. That being said, you might want to contact the company in question to make them aware of the issue.

Broadly speaking, companies are legally obliged to respect any subscription requests you make, and it might help to remind or make them aware of this. Point them in the direction of the CAN-SPAM Act to make them aware you also know they’re legally obliged to respect your wishes.

As mentioned earlier, it’s possible to continue receiving emails due to a system error or legitimate mistake. Raising the issue with a company could help them identify an unknown problem and resolve it.

They might even inform you that a temporary (and fixed) issue kept you on an email marketing list. In this case, manually removing you from an email list on their end of the system could resolve the problem for you.

Sometimes, Unsubscribing Isn’t Enough

As annoying as it is, unsubscribing from an email list isn’t always enough to stop receiving emails from a sender. Sometimes, they intentionally make it harder than it should be to remove your email address from all of their marketing lists. In other cases, they might not understand the rights and wrongs of email marketing–or even care about them.

Either way, it always helps to know the tools Gmail and other email clients give you to take control over your inbox and the emails reaching it.

Key Points Summary Table:

Reasons for Still Receiving Emails	Steps to Take
Signed up to multiple email lists	Check email subscription settings
Time required to update email lists	Wait for settings to change
Technical issues	Report emails as spam
Necessary emails	Block the sender
Non-compliance by companies	Raise a complaint with the company

Author

Ethan Daniel

View all posts

Technology

How Renewable Energy Is Shaping a Sustainable Future

Published

4 days ago

November 19, 2024

Brendan Blair

Reviewed
By Carroll Chang

As the global demand for energy rises, the shift toward renewable energy has gained unprecedented momentum. These energy sources are critical for mitigating climate change, reducing dependency on finite fossil fuels, and building sustainable communities. Below, we explore the major types of renewable energy, their benefits, real-world examples, and case studies that highlight their transformative impact.

1. Introduction to Renewable Energy

Renewable energy comes from natural resources like sunlight, wind, water, and Earth’s heat, replenished over short timescales. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources emit little to no greenhouse gases, making them environmentally friendly and essential for combating climate change. The transition to renewables is also a cornerstone of economic development, fostering energy independence and resilience against market volatility.

Benefits:

Environmental: Reduced carbon emissions and air pollution.
Economic: Lower energy costs and job creation in clean energy sectors.
Social: Improved energy access for remote and underserved communities.

2. Solar Energy

Image by Yandex.com

Solar energy captures sunlight to generate electricity or heat through photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal systems. Recent advancements have made solar cells more efficient, cost-effective, and versatile.

Applications:

Residential: Rooftop panels for homes.
Commercial: Solar farms supplying electricity to grids.
Industrial: Powering factories and data centers.

Case Study:

In India, the Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park produces over 1,000 MW of electricity, enough to power 8 million homes annually. It has become a model for large-scale solar projects globally.

Benefits:

Zero fuel costs post-installation.
Scalable for small homes or large industries.
Adaptable to various climates and geographies.

3. Wind Energy

Wind energy converts kinetic energy from wind into electricity using turbines. It is one of the fastest-growing energy sources globally, with offshore wind farms becoming increasingly popular due to stronger and more consistent winds.

Applications:

Powering residential areas through localized turbines.
Large-scale generation via offshore wind farms.

Case Study:

The Hornsea Project One in the UK is the largest offshore wind farm, generating 1.2 GW of power, equivalent to supplying electricity to over 1 million homes.

Benefits:

Cost-effective electricity generation.
Minimal environmental disruption compared to other sources.
Significant potential in coastal and windy regions.

4. Hydropower

Image by Yandex.com

Hydropower uses flowing or stored water to drive turbines and generate electricity. It remains the largest contributor to global renewable electricity, accounting for around 16% of global power generation.

Types:

Dams: Generate power through controlled water release.
Run-of-River Systems: Utilize natural river flows without large reservoirs.
Tidal Power: Harnesses ocean tides for electricity.

Case Study:

China’s Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower station, has a capacity of 22.5 GW, supplying electricity to millions while reducing coal dependency.

Benefits:

Reliable and consistent energy production.
Dual-purpose infrastructure for water supply and flood control.
Potential for small-scale, community-based installations.

5. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy taps into Earth’s internal heat for electricity and heating. Unlike solar and wind, it provides consistent output, making it a stable energy source.

Applications:

Heating greenhouses and industrial facilities.
Power generation through geothermal plants.

Case Study:

Iceland generates 90% of its heating and hot water needs from geothermal energy. Its Hellisheiði Power Plant produces over 300 MW, showcasing the scalability of this energy source.

Benefits:

Minimal land footprint.
Reliable energy generation regardless of weather.
Long-term sustainability with proper resource management.

6. Biomass Energy

Biomass energy derives from organic materials such as plants, agricultural residues, and animal waste. It produces electricity, heat, and biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel.

Applications:

Industrial steam production.
Biofuels for transportation.
Heating rural households.

Case Study:

In Brazil, sugarcane bagasse (a byproduct of sugar production) is used extensively for bioethanol production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Benefits:

Utilizes waste materials, reducing landfill use.
Provides energy storage capabilities unlike solar or wind.
Compatible with existing fuel distribution systems.

7. Marine and Ocean Energy

Image by Yandex.com

Marine energy includes tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy, leveraging the vast power of Earth’s oceans.

Applications:

Coastal energy generation through tidal barrages.
Wave energy conversion devices for remote island communities.

Case Study:

The MeyGen Project in Scotland is one of the largest tidal power initiatives, producing clean energy for 175,000 homes annually.

Benefits:

High predictability compared to solar and wind.
Minimal land use.
Promising potential for global energy needs.

8. Hydrogen Energy

Hydrogen serves as a clean energy carrier when produced using renewable resources. It has diverse applications, including fuel cells for vehicles and industrial processes.

Case Study:

The HyDeploy Project in the UK blends hydrogen into the natural gas network, reducing emissions without requiring major infrastructure changes.

Benefits:

High energy density.
Zero emissions at the point of use.
Versatility in applications across sectors.

9. Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Sources

While each renewable energy source has unique strengths, combining them ensures a resilient energy system. For instance:

Solar and wind complement each other seasonally.
Hydropower provides backup during low wind or sunlight.

10. Future Trends and Developments

Emerging Technologies:

Floating Solar Farms: Maximizing space on reservoirs.
Advanced Geothermal Systems: Drilling deeper to access untapped heat sources.
Marine Energy Expansion: Harnessing ocean currents and thermal gradients.

Policy and Support:

Governments are incentivizing renewable adoption through tax credits, subsidies, and research funding. For example, the U.S. aims to generate 75% of its electricity from renewables by 2050.

Conclusion

Renewable energy is no longer a futuristic concept but a necessity for sustainable development. From solar farms in India to geothermal power in Iceland, these technologies are reshaping energy landscapes worldwide. With continued innovation and investment, renewable energy promises a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future for all.

Author

Brendan Blair

View all posts

Technology Explained

AI Content Recommendations: Enhancing Sales and Marketing

Published

2 months ago

October 2, 2024

Rolland Cohen

Reviewed
By Robert Smith

The Impact of Generative AI on Travel Planning

What are AI Content Recommendations and How Do They Work?

AI content recommendations use advanced machine learning to find and deliver the content you need, right when and where you need it. They save you time by analyzing data and determining the type of content you need. In essence, AI content recommendations know what you need before you do and present it to you in a user-friendly manner.

AI Content Recommendations in Action

Let’s say you’re a sales rep who just had a productive call with a prospect. The old way of finding sales content would involve digging through your CMS and Google Drive or asking your marketing team for help. But with AI content recommendations, the system analyzes the intent and context of your call summary and automatically serves up the relevant case study. This not only makes you a more effective sales rep but also keeps your marketing team happy.

AI-Driven Content Recommendations on Social Media

Picture by: Yandex.com

The Power of AI Content Recommendations

You’ve probably interacted with AI content recommendations without realizing it. When you use a streaming service, the “For You” section that recommends shows based on your watch history is an example of AI content recommendations. Similarly, when shopping online, the products suggested to you based on your purchase and search history are also AI content recommendations. Now, this powerful tool is being applied to the workplace, transforming how sales reps access and engage with content.

Benefits of AI Content Recommendations

Implementing AI content recommendations can greatly enhance your sales and marketing strategies. It can provide faster access to the right answers, content, and training. It can also increase engagement on content and boost conversion rates. However, it’s important to have a robust content library and a data governance policy to get the best results.

Types of Content Recommendation Systems Using AI

AI content recommendations can be beneficial for various aspects of your company, including sales and marketing and professional development. They can be used to recommend sales content, marketing content, HR content, and learning and development content.

Embrace the Future of Sales Enablement with AI Content Recommendations

Sales enablement involves providing your teams with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to close more deals. With the need for more personalized interactions, an AI sales tool that delivers crucial enablement resources right to your sales reps is essential. AI content recommendations can do just that by recommending contextually relevant, deal-accelerating content right where they’re selling.

Author

Rolland Cohen

View all posts

Technology Explained

The Role of Cybersecurity in Protecting Financial Data

Published

2 months ago

September 12, 2024

Mckinley Bowers

Reviewed
By Jhon Call

The Role of Cybersecurity in Protecting Financial Data

In today’s digital age, financial data is a highly coveted asset, making it a prime target for cybercriminals. As financial institutions increasingly rely on digital platforms for transactions and data management, the necessity of robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. This article explores the importance of cybersecurity in protecting financial data, highlights key threats and vulnerabilities, and examines the strategies and technologies used to safeguard this sensitive information.

Pexels.com

The Importance of Financial Data Security

Financial data, including personal and transactional information, is a valuable commodity for both legitimate financial institutions and malicious actors. Protecting this data is crucial not only for maintaining consumer trust but also for ensuring the stability and integrity of the financial system. A data breach can lead to severe financial losses, legal repercussions, and damage to an organization’s reputation. Therefore, implementing strong cybersecurity measures is essential for safeguarding financial data and ensuring business continuity.

Key Cybersecurity Threats to Financial Data

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks involve fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. Cybercriminals use emails, fake websites, or phone calls to deceive individuals into disclosing personal or financial information. These attacks can lead to unauthorized access to financial accounts and significant financial losses.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Financial institutions are particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks due to their vast amounts of sensitive data. Such attacks can disrupt operations and cause substantial financial damage.

Insider Threats

Insider threats occur when individuals within an organization misuse their access to financial data for malicious purposes. This can include data theft, sabotage, or espionage. Insider threats are challenging to detect and prevent, making them a significant concern for financial institutions.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

DDoS attacks aim to overwhelm a network or system with a flood of traffic, causing it to become slow or completely inoperable. For financial institutions, such attacks can disrupt online services, causing inconvenience and potential financial loss.

Key Vulnerabilities in Financial Data Security

Outdated Software and Systems

Financial institutions often rely on legacy systems and outdated software, which may have unpatched vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Regular updates and patches are essential to mitigate these risks.

Weak Passwords and Authentication

Weak or easily guessable passwords can provide a gateway for unauthorized access to financial data. Implementing strong, multi-factor authentication methods is crucial for enhancing security.

Lack of Employee Training

Employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. Without proper training on recognizing and responding to potential threats, employees may inadvertently compromise financial data security.

Inadequate Data Encryption

Data encryption is a fundamental component of cybersecurity. Inadequate encryption practices can leave financial data exposed to interception and unauthorized access.

Strategies for Protecting Financial Data

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA enhances security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing financial systems. This adds an additional layer of protection beyond just a password.

Regular Software Updates and Patch Management

Keeping software and systems up to date with the latest security patches is crucial for addressing known vulnerabilities and protecting against emerging threats.

Conducting Regular Security Audits

Regular security audits help identify and address potential weaknesses in financial data security. These audits should include vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and compliance checks.

Employee Training and Awareness Programs

Training employees on cybersecurity best practices and recognizing potential threats is essential for preventing insider threats and phishing attacks.

Data Encryption

Encrypting sensitive financial data both at rest and in transit ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the appropriate decryption key.

Comparative Analysis of Cybersecurity Technologies

The following table compares various cybersecurity technologies used to protect financial data:

Technology	Description	Strengths	Weaknesses
Firewalls	Network security systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic.	Prevent unauthorized access; customizable rules.	May not prevent advanced threats; needs regular updates.
Anti-Malware Software	Programs designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware.	Effective against known malware; regular updates available.	May not detect new or sophisticated malware; can impact system performance.
Encryption	Process of encoding data to prevent unauthorized access.	Protects data confidentiality; essential for secure transactions.	Can be complex to implement; may impact system performance.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)	Security method requiring two or more forms of verification.	Significantly enhances security; reduces the risk of unauthorized access.	Can be inconvenient for users; requires proper implementation.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)	Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity.	Provides early detection of potential threats; helps in incident response.	May generate false positives; requires proper configuration.

The Future of Cybersecurity in Financial Data Protection

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too will the strategies and technologies used to protect financial data. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are poised to revolutionize cybersecurity by enhancing threat detection and response capabilities. AI and ML can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate potential threats, allowing for quicker and more accurate responses. Additionally, blockchain technology offers promising solutions for securing transactions and ensuring data integrity. However, as these technologies advance, cybercriminals will also adapt their tactics, necessitating ongoing innovation and vigilance in cybersecurity practices. Financial institutions must stay ahead of emerging threats by continuously updating their security measures, investing in advanced technologies, and fostering a proactive security culture. By doing so, they can better protect financial data and maintain trust in an increasingly complex digital environment.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in protecting financial data from a wide array of threats. As financial institutions continue to evolve and expand their digital footprint, maintaining robust cybersecurity practices is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring operational resilience. By understanding key threats, addressing vulnerabilities, and implementing effective security measures, organizations can better protect their financial data and uphold their reputation in the digital age.

The importance of cybersecurity in the financial sector cannot be overstated. As technology continues to advance, so too must the strategies and technologies used to protect financial data. Investing in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions and fostering a culture of security awareness are crucial steps in defending against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.