India Takes Over As #1 Exporter Of Spam

Article written by guest writer Kecia Lynn

What’s the Latest Development?

New data out from the digital security firm Sophos reveals that one in 6 spam e-mails was relayed from a computer in India, making it the leader in spam distribution for the third consecutive quarter. At 16.1 percent, its share is not quite double that of the second-biggest culprit, Italy (9.4 percent) and not quite triple that of the US, which comes in third (6.5 percent). In addition, when it comes to continents and spam distribution, Asia is way out in front with 48.7 percent, followed by Europe (28.2 percent) and South America (10.2 percent).

What’s the Big Idea?

It’s important to note that most of the spam probably isn’t originating in India. According to Sophos’ Graham Cluley, many computers in India “are harbouring malware infections that turn PCs into spam-spitting zombie slaves, controlled by the cybercriminals who make money by punting junk emails to promote questionable goods, or simply use malicious spam to infect more computers.” Unsurprisingly, Cluley goes on to recommend that the Indian goverment do more to promote computer security, since it’s probable that their users are being victimized themselves by other types of online misbehavior.

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