| Messaging Spam |
Shopping Spam |
Website Links For Messaging |
Information AboutMessaging Spam |
|
Messaging spam, sometimes called '''SPIM''', is a type of Spam targeting users of Instant Messaging services. The increase in messaging spam may be motivated by its rise in popularity as well as the many steps to crack down on spamming since the late 1990s . INSTANT-MESSAGING APPLICATIONS Instant messaging (IM) systems, such as Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, MSN Messenger,Tencent QQ and ICQ, are popular targets for spammers. Many IM systems offer a directory of users, including demographic information such as age and sex. Advertisers can gather this information, sign on to the system, and send unsolicited messages, which could include repitions of words or phrases repeatedly to annoy or get the attention of the victim. Using privacy options to guard against messaging spam To combat SPIM, many users choose to receive IMs only from people already on their contact list. Using AIM 'warn' feature The free AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) service allows users to 'warn' other users. The warning decreases the number of messages an account can send, slowing down spam, and shows the AIM address as warned to other users that it may try to message. This feature does have the potential for abuse, although such cases are minimal. MESSENGER SERVICE SPAM In 2002 , a number of spammers began using the Messenger Service in Microsoft 's Windows NT -based operating systems to get their message across. This isn't the same as the Windows Messenger instant messenger application included with Windows XP ; rather, it is a function of Windows designed to allow servers to send alerts to administrator workstations. Windows Messaging spam appears as normal Dialog Box es containing the spammer's message. Windows Messaging spam can be delivered using any NetBIOS port, so to block it at a Firewall entails closing down ports 135 through 139, and 445. Alternatively, Windows users can simply disable the Messenger service entirely through the Windows services list available via Start>Run>services.msc. Once at the Services list, scroll down to and double-click "Messenger". In the startup type drop-down list, select "Disabled", click OK, then exit the Services list. Messenger service spam, in particular, has lent itself to spammer use in a particularly circular scheme. In many cases, messenger spammers send messages to vulnerable Windows machines consisting of text like: "Annoyed by these messages? Visit this site." The link leads to a Web site where, for a fee, users are told how to disable the Messenger service. Though the messenger service is easily disabled for free by the user, this scam works because it creates a perceived need and then offers an immediate solution. Often, the only "annoying messages" the user is receiving through the Messenger service are advertisements to disable the Messenger service itself. Subsequent Windows XP Service Packs have disabled the Messenger service by default. |
|
|