Spam Fighting Guidelines Published

The Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group has published recommendations that could drastically cut the amount of spam e-mail.

How are these for figures – it’s estimated that over 90% of all e-mail sent is spam, and that 90% of all spam is distributed by botnets, those armies of zombie computers. There have been many attempts to fight that massive volume of spam, and now the Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group (MAAWG) has published several recommendations that, if adopted, could succeed in drastically reducing the spam.

The first idea is that ISPs use separate servers for original and forwarded mail, according to the BBC, as forwarded mail often includes spam and viruses, and it will make identification easier.

Secondly, the MAAWG suggests blocking port 25, through which most spam travels. This isn’t new, and some American ISPs already do it, but its endorsement by an official body could see it more widely implemented.

It seems possible that these guidelines could be put into force before the end of the year, according to Richard Cox of anti-spam unit Spamhaus.

"These are very significant recommendations and they are coming from a well-respected body so there is not much excuse for not following them."