Spam news

Google reports that spam levels are up once again, and spammers are re-using old techniques such as image spam, perhaps in an attempt to probe the effectiveness of spam filters.

Security experts report a rise in spam originating from botnets, with botnets accounting for 80% of all spam sent.

A study shows that spam made up 90.4 percent of all e-mail traffic in June, with botnets accounting for over 80 percent of unsolicited messages.

Alan Ralsky pleaded guilty on Monday to running a multi-million dollar international stock fraud scam powered by junk e-mail. Ralsky and his son-in-law face possible prison terms and fines of up to $1 million.

Less than 24 hours after Michael Jackson's death, fraudsters are exploiting public interest to spread spam and malware. Researches have observed hundreds of cases of malicious messages masquerading as information about Jackson's death. Some popped up within minutes of the news.

Ronald Scelson, a spammer once known as the Cajun Spam King, has been arrested on charges of rape and child molestation. A raid on his offices also reportedly uncovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Security firm Damballa has conducted a study of botnet control architectures, to determine which ones are most susceptible to countermeasures, and has identified several distinct network topologies.

An overwhelming majority of Web sites promoted through spam are hosted in China at service providers that often choose to ignore complaints and allow illegal activity, according to research from the University of Alabama.

Alan Ralsky and his son-in-law Scott Bradley face possible jail sentences and large fines for their activities - but it may not make a difference.

The Federal Trade Commission has ordered the closure of Pricewert LLC, described as a shell company supporting illegal operations, including a service called Triple Fibre Network (3FN).

Symantec reports that unsolicited e-mail made up 90.4 percent of messages on corporate networks last month. That represents a 5.1 percent increase over last month's numbers.

Spammers have moved to using celebrity names alongside swine flu terms to spread malicious links.

Hosting services in China offer 'bulletproof' servers for spam and malware hosting for as little as $700.

A report from Microsoft claims that spam accounts for 97% of all email. The vast majority, however, is never delivered.

Darrel and Jack Uselton have settled civil charges that they bought penny stocks and sent massive amounts of spam promoting the stocks. Darrel Uselton will pay a total of $3.8 million in restitution and penalties.