Spam Graph Turned Back to High Level in October

According to the monthly spam status report released by the leading security firm Symantec, out of total e-mails received globally in October 2008, 76% were spam, representing an annual increase of 6%. However, it still remains lower than the surprising 80% spam level recorded in August 2008.

Further, out of the total spam discovered globally in October 2008, 22% were spam related to computer-associated services and Internet. On the other hand, a considerable contribution of 18% was made by the e-mail marketing or offering general products and services, and financial spam related to money, the stock market or various other financial opportunities.

The report revealed that there has been a hike in the 'image spam' related to phishing attacks linked with financial institutions. Image spam is considered as a spontaneous message including an image in the body of the e-mail. In October 2008, the level of such e-mails rose to 9% as a consequence of the increase in the total number of phishing attacks containing logos of financial institutions.

Symantec also stated that a lottery scam, nearly connected to Nigerian or '419' spam, was continuously spreading in October 2008. For instance, FIFA World Cup 2010, to be held in South Africa, was targeted in one such scam. The message of the lottery scam stated that a draw was held in association with the organizing committee of 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament and the e-mail recipient has been adjudged as the winner of US$ 800K jackpot. Further, the recipient is directed to contact a paying agent and divulge his personal details.

In another instance, a lottery scam targeting the 2012 Olympic Games is being circulated in London. Though the games are quite far, the lottery e-mail announces that the recipient has won prize money of £950k, and the recipient is then asked to contact the paying agent in order to claim the money.

Moreover, the recent financial bailout and the slashed interest rates have provided the spammers a big opportunity to cash in on the current trend. Additionally, the security experts are predicting that as the world economy is finding it tough to recover and attain a stable level, spammers are likely to relish this trend for some more time in future.

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» SPAMfighter News - 11/24/2008