Spam News

Botnets responsible for majority of spam says MessageLabs report

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0000

A report from Messagelabs suggests that nearly 88% of all spam originates from botnets, accounting for 150 billion email messages per day.

SEC sues CellCyte and its executives

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0000

The SEC has filed suit against CellCyte Genetics, charging that the executives of the company misled investors. A stock promoter paid by the company is also facing charges related to an illegal fax and email spam campaign promoting it.

Legacy chief exec Mark Uselton appeals penalties

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000

CEO Mark Uselton of Legacy Trading has appealed against a decision to fine him and expel him and his company from the securities industry. Useltonâ��s father and cousin agreed earlier this year to pay nearly $4 million in fines and penalties in connection with a pump-and-dump penny stock scheme.

Software Developer Pleads Guilty to Spam Charge

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:19:04 +0000

A Virginia software developer has pleaded guilty to charges related to creating and marketing software designed to send bulk commercial e-mail messages. David S. Patton pleaded guilty Tuesday to aiding and abetting violations of the CAN-SPAM Act by Alan Ralsky.

Spammers Shorten Their URLs

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:35:54 +0000

MessageLabs reports that use of URL shorteners by spammers has exploded, with 2% of all spam now featuring shortened URLs.

Waledac worm targeting July 4 spam offensive

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0000

The Waledac worm is gearing up for a spam campaign related to the July 4 holiday. At least 18 domain names have been registered related to fireworks and Independence Day that will be used to trick people into downloading malware.

When it Comes to Spam, Everything Old is New Again

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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.

Botnets Churn Spam, Then Back Again

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:11:25 +0000

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

Botnets lead the way in spam charge

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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.

Accused Spam King Alan Ralsky Pleads Guilty

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:01:06 +0000

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.

Michael Jackson Death Spurs Spam, Viruses

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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.

Computer spam king arrested on rape, molestation charges

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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 Experts Visualize Botnets With an Eye Toward Defense

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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.

China Remains Spam Haven Due to 'bulletproof' Hosting

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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.

Will convicting five major spammers put an end to spam?

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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.