MX Logic Expects 50% Increase in Spam Levels this Holiday Season

MX Logic Inc., a provider of managed email and Web security services, has predicted that spam levels will spike an additional 50% over current levels by the end of 2007 due to the holiday retail rush. This will represent a 200% increase since January of 2007.

Compounding the influx, the company said its threat research expects the Storm Worm to resurrect in the coming months as spammers use botnets, a collection of compromised computers, to hide their tracks. MX Logic has recommended that organizations and their employees be especially vigilant to avoid social engineering tactics like e-card and holiday-related emails that are associated with the Storm Worm. It is also important to note that hackers are directing users to Web sites where malicious downloadable files are disguised as festive screen savers or audio files that can wreak havoc on computers. The increase in online shopping by employees during this time of year leaves unprotected networks especially vulnerable.