What does SPAM refer to in the context of email?

In the context of email, SPAM refers to unsolicited email, which is often sent in bulk to numerous recipients without their consent. This type of email is typically commercial in nature, promoting products or services, or it may also contain malicious content such as phishing attempts or malware. The key characteristic of SPAM is that it is not requested by the recipient, making it an unwanted interruption in their inbox.

Understanding what constitutes SPAM is important for both email users and cybersecurity practices, as it can help individuals recognize and filter out unwanted messages, protecting them from potential scams or security threats. The other options, such as invitations from friends, online newsletters, and email promotions, generally involve consensual communication or subscriptions, distinguishing them from the unsolicited nature of SPAM.