Tue, 08 Apr 08
Occasionally I get mail from people whose email system (usually work, but sometimes universities) automatically appends a little stern warning to the mail. I've posted a couple of those here, when I find them amusing. I just got this one and thought I'd pass it on. Note that the email and any attachment (which was an invitation to a party) have been kept private as demanded by the notice.
It's also important to note that email IS NOT PRIVATE. Anyone on any relay between the sender and the recipient can read the mail. It's super easy to hack mail, to put a sniffer on a port, and various other means of snooping. Putting a "you must keep this confidential" disclaimer on email is like putting one on a post card stating that anyone reading the post card is obligated to keep it private!
Anyway, on with the notice, which I found particularly obtuse and laughable:
YOU MUST READ THIS NOTICEThis email has been sent by Charles Sturt University (ABN 83 878 708 551). This email (and any attachment) is confidential and is intended for the use of the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient of this email you must not copy, distribute, take any action in reliance on it or disclose it to anyone. Any confidentiality is not waived or lost by reason of mistaken delivery to you. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily those of Charles Sturt University. It is very important that before opening any attachments to this email you check them for viruses and defects. CSU does not accept liability for any corruption or viruses or any consequence which arise as a result of this email transmission. Email communications with CSU may be subject to automated email filtering, which could result in the delay or deletion of a legitimate email before it is read by its intended recipient at CSU. Please tell us if you have concerns about this automatic filtering. The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Provider Number is 00005F (NSW), 025973E (QLD), and 01947G (VIC) for Charles Sturt University.
