ARCHIVED—Anti-Spam Technology Overview
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Task Force on Spam
Network and Technology Working Group
Telecommunications Engineering and Certification
Industry Canada
May 2005
PDF Version (256 KB - 23 pages)
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Table of Contents
Abstract
Scope
Abbreviations
Introduction
Overview
Anti-Spam Technologies
Emerging Technologies
Discussion
Conclusion
Abstract
This paper details the issues relating to the distribution and prevention of unsolicited electronic messaging, or spam. The document provides an overview of existing and emerging technologies used to combat spam. The methods used to distribute spam and evade anti-spam technologies are also discussed. The goal of this paper is to help explain the technical methods involved, in order to improve understanding of the issues at stake.
Scope
This paper covers the topics surrounding email-based spam and the technologies used to prevent it. The technologies explained in this report are meant to capture the current state of the art, and should not be considered exhaustive. This document will be revised in the future to reflect the changing landscape of anti-spam technologies and, as such, should be considered a living document.
Abbreviations
CAN-SPAM - Controlling the assault of non-solicited pornography and marketing
DNS - Domain name system
DNSBL - Domain name system black list
IIM - Identified Internet mail
IMAP - Internet message access protocol
MAPS - Mail abuse prevention system
MARID - Mail transfer agent authorization records in DNS
MASS - Message authentication signature standards
MIME - Multipurpose Internet mail extensions
MTA - Mail transfer agent (server)
MUA - Mail user agent (client)
MX - Mail exchanger
POP - Post office protocol
RBL - Real-time black hole list
SMTP - Simple mail transfer protocol
SPAM - Self-promotional advertising message
SPIM - Spam for instant messaging
SPIT - Spam over Internet telephony
SRS - Sender rewriting scheme
TCP - Transmission control protocol
TLS - Transport layer security
UBE - Unsolicited bulk email
UCE - Unsolicited commercial email
VoIP - Voice over Internet protocol
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