Email about to crash & burn
This is going to cause so much havoc I don't know whether to laugh or cry:
According to the SpamHaus Project--a U.K.-based antispam compiler of blacklists that block 8 billion messages a day--a new piece of malicious software has been created that takes over a PC. This "zombie" computer is then used to send spam via the mail server of that PC's Internet service provider. This means the junk mail appears to come from the ISP, making it very hard for an antispam blacklist to block it.
It's pretty depressing stuff. It primarily focuses on the larger ISPs, but I'd have to think this is going to put a huge burden on the smaller hosting companies. ISPs like Earthlink have cut them out of the picture to an extent by completely ripping out the ability to go out over port 25, but geez.
Posted by drunkenbatmanFebruary 03, 2005, at 03:16 AM
Comments (5)
Posted by: David Magda at February 3, 2005 08:14 AM
SMTP Authentication is good.
Yes, it is. But since most people will set up Outlook to auto-authenticate, what will prevent these programs from linking in Outlook to get the password and such?
Posted by: Mike-Luke at February 3, 2005 08:37 AM
Frankly, it's amazing this hasn't been thought of before.
PS: Very insightful comment from David above - Damn the Outlook scripting interface!
Posted by: Andre Arko at February 3, 2005 01:20 PM
SBC DSL just cut out port 25 entirely this week, as well. Getting service back up after it breaks? 5-15 days. Taking service away from customers? Instantaneous.
Posted by: jesus at February 3, 2005 01:52 PM
PS: Very insightful comment from David above - Damn the Outloo
This feature exists in OS X too. :( Really though I doubt they will go through Outlook or your mail program, they will just get the settings they need.
SMTP servers should demand authentication - even if the connecting client is within their own net.
SMTP Authentication is good.