FTC SPAM Summit Explores Next Generation of Threats and Solutions

The Federal Trade Commission recently hosted a Spam Summit that focused on the next generation of threats and solutions.   The workshop brought together experts from the business, government, and technology sectors, consumer advocates, and academics to explore consumer protection issues surrounding spam, phishing, and malware. 

“This new generation of malicious spam goes beyond mere annoyance – it can result in significant harm to consumers and undermine the stability of the Internet and email in particular,” remarked FTC Chair Deborah Platt Majoras in her opening comments.  “Botnets – networks of hijacked personal computers that spammers use to conceal their identities – have become the preferred method for sending spam,” she observed.  She continued, “Even more troubling, spam reaching consumers’ inboxes is more often being used to launch phishing attacks and to deliver malicious code or ‘malware’ to consumers’ computers.” 

Panels of experts over the course of the two-day public event addressed the following topics:  

• defining the malicious spam problem;
• identifying methods used for sending malicious spam;
• uncovering the malware economy;
• identifying threats that malicious spam poses to emerging platforms such as mobile devices and social networking websites;
• examining methods that law enforcement can deploy to deter malicious spammers and cybercriminals; developing educational tips for putting consumers back in control;
• exploring technological tools for keeping malicious spam out of consumers’ inboxes;
• identifying best practices for legitimate email marketers; and
• establishing a plan that stakeholders can quickly implement to reduce the deleterious effects of spambots and malicious spam.

Joe St. Sauvier from the University of Oregon and Internet2 pronounced, “As the United States cracks down on spam, spammers are developing an increasingly strong affinity for [foreign countries].  Spam is an international problem and one which will require a coordinated international response if we're going to win.”  Chairwoman Majoras warned, “The risk that malicious spam will erode confidence in the Internet's benefits to consumers and the global economy is too great to ignore, and we must continue to act quickly to address it.”

More information, including the workshop agenda and webcasts, are available at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/workshops/spamsummit/index.shtml