Symantec State of Spam Report - January 2010

<p>Here is the January State of Spam Report: http://eval.symantec.com/mktginfo/enterprise/other_resources/b-state_of_spam_report_01-2010.en-us.pdf, and Podcast: http://www.symantec.com/podcasts/detail.jsp?podid=b-january_state_of_spam_2010, from Symantec. This report reviews spam activity throughout the month of December 2009.</p>
<p>A close observation of spam tactics in Asia Pacific this month revealed some interesting highlights:</p>
<p>The average size of spam messages shifted in December, with a seven percent increase in the 2kb- 5kb message size category, while the 5kb-10kb message size category decreased by 6 percent.</p>
<p>Health and product spam categories have increased and now account for 52 percent of all spam messages.</p>
<p>Seasonal and retail spam loaded with malware continued throughout December and there were numerous spam messages pretending to be holiday greeting cards from financial institutions.</p>
<p>Spammers have been taking advantage of various “freeweb” services in an effort to bypass filters, and</p>
<p>Symantec has been closely monitoring spam which purported to be from Amazon.</p>
<p>Nigerian and online pharmacy spam continued, as highlighted by Symantec’s top ten subject lines used by spammers.</p>
<p>Symantec observed an unusually large increase in the volume of spam containing hijacked IPs. Known as “Dotted Quad” spam. Symantec predicts this type of spam will continue.</p>
<p>If you would like more information on the January State of Spam Report, please contact the representative below.</p>
<p>Media Contact:</p>
<p>Almira Anthony</p>
<p>Max Australia</p>
<p>+61 2 9954 3492</p>
<p>almira.anthony@maxaustralia.com.au</p>

• Got more on this story? Email Computerworld
• Follow Computerworld on twitter