The Challenge of Spam

Spam is a harmful, costly, and evolving

threat to Internet users. A collaborative approach
is needed to provide the best spam-mitigation solutions
and security protection.

Internet Society © 1992–2016

Different stakeholders are taking different steps:
Governments
• Some countries have adopted legislation to combat spam.
• Some countries provide consumer education on how to manage spam.
• Some governments have already started to engage in enforcement against spammers.

Network Operators and the Technical Community

• Approaches and tools are available to help fight spam and manage network security issues .
• Some projects track spam operations and sources to provide real-time network protection and
work with law enforcement to combat spam.

End-Users
• It can be hard for users to recognize whether or not a message is malicious.
• We need to be vigilant about the possibility of receiving harmful messages.
• Spam-blocking tools can help end-users to deal with spam.
Challenges
Spam is…
• Expensive for both the Internet’s infrastructure and its users,
• Cheap for spammers to send because the costs associated with it are largely imposed
on those who receive it,
• A constantly evolving challenge,
• Negatively impacting user trust in the Internet,
• Something which effects everyone and can’t be solved by any one organization,
• It takes a worldwide, multistakeholder community working together, and
• Conquerable, but be mindful of potential retaliatory attacks.
How Governments Can Help Combat Spam
Such measures can help
deter offending players
and reduce the amount
of spam sent and
received in a country.
Educate Internet users on
how to recognize and
protect themselves
Legislation & Education &
against spam and
Enforcement Empowerment other online threats.

Spammers are Understand International Cross-border

constantly evolving the Evolving Collaboration collaboration is
their methods, so keep Landscape critical to addressing
up-to-date on trends, spam proliferation.
techniques, and threats. Effective
Partnerships

Spam is a multifaceted
problem. Participation,
and coordination among a
range of stakeholders will
result in robust solutions to
spam.
Questions?
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