Microsoft Creates New Antispam Group
In an e-mail sent to Microsoft customers and partners, chairman Bill Gates outlined the company's strategy of lawsuits, technology and legislation for fighting spam, which has even been landing in his own e-mailbox.
"Like almost everyone, I receive a lot of spam every day, much of it offering to help me get out of debt or get rich quick," wrote Gates, the world's richest man. "It's ridiculous."
Researchers are developing "smart" filters that can automatically learn and adapt to changing tactics employed by spammers. One version is in beta testing for Microsoft's upcoming update to Outlook e-mail program, which will be released later this summer, said Kevin Doerr, group business manager for Microsoft's Anti-Spam Technology and Strategy group.
The group, formed about two months ago, includes about 20 researchers, program managers, developers and testers who are working on technology to help identify and block spam. Already, spam filters on Microsoft's MSN and Hotmail e-mail services now block 2.4 billion messages a day, Gates wrote in his email.
The Redmond-based software company is also relying on lawsuits, such as those filed last week against alleged spammers, and new federal legislation to help stamp out spam.
Reducing spam is just one area of security Microsoft has gotten involved in lately. The company also recently acquired antivirus technology from Romania-based GeCAD Software, which solution provider said could cause a major shakeup in the antivirus industry. (see story.)