[ISN] Spam Is Good for Antispam Vendors

Thu Jun 15 02:25:24 EDT 2006

====================

This email newsletter comes to you free and is supported by the 
following advertisers, which offer products and services in which 
you might be interested. Please take a moment to visit these 
advertisers' Web sites and show your support for Security UPDATE. 

St. Bernard Software
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E774:4FB69

Patchlink
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E786:4FB69

CrossTec
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E76E:4FB69

====================

1. In Focus: Spam Is Good for Antispam Vendors

2. Security News and Features
   - Recent Security Vulnerabilities
   - Microsoft Releases Rebranded Antigen Products
   - 180solutions Merges with Hotbar, Renames Company Zango
   - Two-Factor Authentication Tokens

3. Security Toolkit
   - Security Matters Blog
   - FAQ
   - Share Your Security Tips

4. New and Improved
   - Host-Based IPS Monitors Application Behavior

====================

==== Sponsor: St. Bernard Software ====

Get the #1 Ranked Internet Filtering Appliance Free
   iPrism, ranked #1 by IDC, gives you comprehensive protection from 
Web-based threats at the perimeter - spyware, IM and P2P are stopped 
before they can invade your networks. Now, get the appliance at no 
charge when you purchase a multi-year subscription. This is a limited-
time offer, so get a Quick Quote today.
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E774:4FB69

====================

==== 1. In Focus: Spam Is Good for Antispam Vendors ====
   by Mark Joseph Edwards, News Editor, mark at ntsecurity / net

Last week, I wrote about Okopipi--the current successor to Blue 
Security's Blue Frog antispam service. In closing that article, I 
described a dream situation in which Microsoft philanthropically backs 
the Okopipi project and bundles the antispam solution with every copy 
of Windows. This week, I'll point out some statistics and financial 
figures that show why I think that dream will never become a reality--
not with Microsoft or any other major antispam-solution provider.

First, let's look at the cost of spam for businesses: In February 2005, 
Ferris Research said, "Lost productivity and other expenses associated 
with spam will cost US businesses $17 billion in 2005.... Worldwide 
costs could reach $50 billion, primarily because of lost employee 
productivity. Not included in these figures are immeasurable items, 
such as the missed opportunity cost of a new customer order that's 
incorrectly discarded as spam." That's a lot of incentive for 
businesses to implement antispam solutions. 
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E77B:4FB69

Next, let's look at antispam-solution revenue figures: Also in February 
2005, IDC predicted that "...worldwide revenue for antispam solutions 
will exceed $1.7 billion in 2008, far surpassing the $300 million 
generated in 2003.... [The] development of spam from a mere nuisance to 
an increasingly serious problem [is] the driver for explosive revenue 
growth, innovation, and investment in the antispam market. The 
worldwide revenue for antispam solutions will experience a compound 
annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42% through 2008."
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E77A:4FB69

Now let's look at email usage and spam volume growth: In January 2006, 
the Radicati Group estimated that there were more than 1.2 billion 
active email accounts. Worldwide email traffic per day was about 135 
billion messages, of which 67 percent were spam. Then in May 2006, 
Radicati estimated that there were nearly 1.4 billion active email 
accounts and worldwide email traffic per day of about 171 billion 
messages, of which 71 percent were spam. 
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E771:4FB69
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E775:4FB69

Summarizing Radicati's data, the number of mailboxes increased by 200 
million, the volume of email traffic increased by 36 million messages, 
and the volume of spam increased by 31 million messages--all in less 
than half a year! The increases represent a tremendous gain in 
potential customers for antispam vendors, which of course can readily 
equate to huge increases in revenue. 

The spam problem has given birth to a billion-dollar market for 
antispam-solution providers. If we keep in mind that most companies 
exist for the primary purpose of generating income for their owners and 
investors, then we can easily see that no current antispam vendor has 
the impetus to stamp out spam because doing so would run counter to its 
fiduciary responsibility. 

Therefore, the Okopipi project will probably not be seen in a good 
light by any antispam-solution provider, except of course one that 
finds a way to profit from the ultimate antispam solution of stamping 
out spam completely.

====================

==== Sponsor: PatchLink ====

Does your patch management solution automatically track and re-deploy 
to ensure network security? 
   20% of patches unknowingly become un-patched. Learn more about 
automating the analysis, distribution and tracking of security patches 
using PatchLink's security patch & vulnerability management solution -- 
the world's largest repository of tested patches. Request a free trial 
disk.
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E786:4FB69

====================

==== 2. Security News and Features ====

Recent Security Vulnerabilities
   If you subscribe to this newsletter, you also receive Security 
Alerts, which inform you about recently discovered security 
vulnerabilities. You can also find information about these 
discoveries at
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E773:4FB69

Microsoft Releases Rebranded Antigen Products
   Microsoft announced the first release of its rebranded Antigen 
antivirus and antispam products for email systems. Microsoft acquired 
the Antigen product line with the 2005 purchase of Sybari Software. 
Read more about the Microsoft versions at
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E77E:4FB69

180solutions Merges with Hotbar, Renames Company Zango
   The often scrutinized adware company 180solutions announced that 
effective immediately it will merge with Hotbar and rename the newly 
combined entity Zango. 
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E77F:4FB69

Two-Factor Authentication Tokens
   Two-factor authentication offers stronger security and easier access 
than having to remember numerous passwords. Our buyer's guide helps you 
find the right two-factor solution to fit your needs. 
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E77C:4FB69

====================

==== Resources and Events ====

Win a new iPod (for Mac or PC)
   Download a Windows IT Pro podcast on Windows IT Pro Radio by your 
favorite author, editor, or industry figure. You'll automatically be 
entered to win!
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E787:4FB69

Maximize your VoIP environment by integrating FoIP technology to 
increase ROI and streamline processes.
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E772:4FB69

Attend Black Hat 2006 in Las Vegas July 29 - August 3; 2,500+ 
international security experts, 10 tracks, no vendor sales pitches.
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E78A:4FB69

Pop Quiz! Can you pass the Windows Server High Availability Challenge? 
Find out, and you could win a Video iPod.
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E784:4FB69 

How will compliance regulations affect your IT infrastructure? Help 
design your retention and retrieval, privacy, and security policies to 
make sure that your organization is compliant. Download the full ebook 
today!
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E770:4FB69

Attend TechDays 2006--two days of technical training for IT 
Professionals on Microsoft and Cisco Technologies, Fri. 6/23 and Sat. 
6/24 from 9am-4pm (both days). Located at Diablo Valley College, 
Pleasant Hill, CA. Price is $1299. Your cost is $299 and includes 
lunch, drink, snacks and all the information your mind can hold! Enter 
code PENTON when you register at
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E783:4FB69

====================

==== Featured White Paper ====

Extend Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) to support enterprise 
requirements for protecting information, including proprietary business 
data.
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E76F:4FB69
   Bonus: When you download any white paper from Windows IT Pro before 
June 30, you'll be entered to win Bose Triport Headphones. See the full 
selection today at http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E785:4FB69

====================

==== Hot Spot ====

Spending too much time monitoring security alerts?
   New Activeworx Security Center v3 collects event logs from all of 
your various security devices (Firewalls, AV, IDS, etc) to provide a 
single dashboard view. ASC includes real-time correlation and analysis, 
alerts, built-in compliance reports and deep forensics. Free white 
paper, webinar and evals available. 
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E76E:4FB69

====================

==== 3. Security Toolkit ==== 

Security Matters Blog: Windows Genuine Advantage, Phone Home
   by Mark Joseph Edwards, http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E782:4FB69

We should have known: Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage tool phones 
home daily, and that fact isn't disclosed in the End User License 
Agreement (EULA). Find out more in this blog article on our Web site.
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E780:4FB69

FAQ
   by John Savill, http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E781:4FB69 

Q: How do I enable logging of file screen violations?

Find the answer at http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E77D:4FB69

Share Your Security Tips and Get $100
   Share your security-related tips, comments, or problems and 
solutions in the Windows IT Security print newsletter's 
Reader to Reader column. Email your contributions to 
r2rwinitsec at windowsitpro.com. If we print your submission, you'll 
get $100. We edit submissions for style, grammar, and length.

====================

==== Announcements ====
   (from Windows IT Pro and its partners)

Summer Special--Save 58% off Windows IT Pro
   Subscribe to Windows IT Pro today and SAVE 58%! Along with your 12 
issues, you'll get FREE access to the entire Windows IT Pro online 
article archive, which houses more than 9,000 helpful articles. This is 
a limited-time offer, so order now:
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E777:4FB69

June Special--Save $80 off the Windows IT Security newsletter
   Get endless solutions for building and maintaining a secure 
enterprise. Subscribe to the Windows IT Security newsletter today and 
save $80:
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E778:4FB69

====================

==== 4. New and Improved ====
   by Renee Munshi, products at windowsitpro.com

Host-Based IPS Monitors Application Behavior
   S.N. Safe & Software recently released the Safe'n'Sec host-based 
intrusion prevention system (IPS). Safe'n'Sec intercepts application 
calls at the OS level, granting or denying system access to an app 
based on a variety of criteria, such as the app's hard disk location, 
the existence of a digital signature for the app, and whether the app 
is on a list of core "safe" applications. Safe'n'Sec vets periodic 
updates to core apps, and Safe'n'Sec users can define policies to 
govern the behavior of apps. The version for small to midsized 
businesses (SMBs), Safe'n'Sec Business, offers antivirus and 
antispyware protection and centralized remote and corporate network 
administration. For more information, go to 
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E789:4FB69

Tell Us About a Hot Product and Get a Best Buy Gift Card!
   Have you used a product that changed your IT experience by saving 
you time or easing your daily burden? Tell us about the product, and 
we'll send you a Best Buy Gift Card if we write about the product in a 
Windows IT Pro What's Hot column. Send your product suggestion with 
information about how the product has helped you to 
whatshot at windowsitpro.com. 

====================

==== Contact Us ==== 

About the newsletter -- letters at windowsitpro.com
About technical questions -- http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E788:4FB69
About product news -- products at windowsitpro.com
About your subscription -- windowsitproupdate at windowsitpro.com
About sponsoring Security UPDATE -- salesopps at windowsitpro.com

====================

This email newsletter is brought to you by Windows IT Security, 
the leading publication for IT professionals securing the Windows 
enterprise from external intruders and controlling access for 
internal users. Subscribe today.
   http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=2E779:4FB69

View the Windows IT Pro privacy policy at
   http://www.windowsitpro.com/AboutUs/Index.cfm?action=privacy

Windows IT Pro, a division of Penton Media, Inc.
221 East 29th Street, Loveland, CO 80538
Attention: Customer Service Department