BT tackles spam

BT is doing its bit to tackle the growing problem of spam by launching an automated system that aims to combat professional spammers and alert infected users.

The telco's spam busting system is based on Content Forensics technology from StreamShield Networks and, by scanning millions of emails daily, it can provide detailed broadband network reports which BT can then act on.

Around 6.5 billion emails sent each day are considered spam and their transit takes up valuable bandwidth that could be used by businesses and consumers for other purposes.

With the new system, BT hopes to tackle this problem and redress the balance by catching those who choose to spam professionally as well as botnet infected consumers who are unaware that their PCs are generating junk emails.

But, users needn't worry that their business or individual connections will be terminated if they are inadvertently caught up in a botnet infection, according to BT.

The telco says that, once an issue has been identified, it will contact the account holder by email or telephone to inform them of the problem and advise on suitable resolutions.

If, after a reasonable period of time, no action has been taken, BT says only then will it take further measures, such as closing the account.

In the case of the professionals, BT's Customer Security team will act immediately to suspend connectivity or black list the IP address.

"In a world-first, we're turning the tables on professional spammers and cutting off this scourge of the internet at source", said Stratis Scleparis, BT Retail's chief technology officer.

"We are delighted to work with StreamShield Networks on this innovative approach which both tracks down and reduces spam messages on our network, and at the same time helps our customers overcome the threat of infection by bots."

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