What type of emails does a spam filter aim to block?

A spam filter's primary function is to block unsolicited emails, often referred to as spam. These are messages sent without the recipient's consent, typically from unknown or dubious sources, and they may contain irrelevant content, scams, or malicious links. The goal of a spam filter is to enhance user experience by preventing these unwanted messages from cluttering inboxes and to protect users from potential threats.

While transactional, marketing, and promotional emails can all be legitimate forms of communication, they are often sent with the recipient's prior consent. Transactional emails are typically triggered by user actions, such as confirmations or notifications, while marketing and promotional emails may be sent to individuals who have opted in to receive such information. Spam filters focus specifically on unsolicited emails because these can lead to various cybersecurity issues, including phishing attacks and malware distribution. Therefore, the ability to effectively identify and block unsolicited emails is essential for maintaining a secure and organized email environment.