[pchelpers] Spammers targeted with DDoS attack (received from Entireweb)

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**Spammers targeted with DDoS attack**

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* Turning the tables on bulk mailers...*

Lycos is offering its customers a screensaver that helps to launch 
denial-of-service attacks on spammers' websites - a tactic more commonly 
associated with hackers or the spammers themselves who abuse networks of 
compromised machines to send large volumes of data.


<http://services.entireweb.com/track/newsletter/newsletter79/click.php?id=8>

*The controversial move* is designed to use the idle processing power of a 
computer to slow down the response times from spammers' websites.

Wessel Van Rensburg, product manager of communications for Lycos, said: "Lycos 
has been trying to position itself in the fight against spam. It launches 
tonight in the UK. It aims to use our community to fight spam. It uses idle 
computer power and sends requests to spam sites."

*On its website*, Lycos, which claims to have an army of more than 66,000 
computers, says it has already attacked several websites, slowing one down by 
85 
per cent of its operating speed. The software is open to Windows and Mac users.

The company said that when the screensaver is active it displays the location 
and URL of the sites users' PCs are attacking, and that Lycos decides the 
websites it will attack.

*A spokesman for the company said*: "This gives internet users the opportunity 
to hit spammers where it hurts. Sending spam is not a minor misdemeanour, as 
spam causes billions of pounds of damage to the economy. This is why we are 
upping the ante in the fight against those responsible for spam."

*But denial-of-service attacks* are illegal in a many countries and some 
organisations have criticised the move. Steve Linford, director of non-profit 
anti-spam organisation Spamhaus, has dedicated the last eight years of his life 
to fighting spammers. He said that Lycos has failed to think the idea through.

"It's irresponsible of Lycos to put its name to it because it lends legitimacy 
to [DDoS] attacks," said Linford. "You can't break into a thief's house just 
because he breaks into yours. We don't support this or recommend this practice. 
Directing traffic is part of the degradation of the internet we are trying to 
stop."

*On its web log*, security company *F-Secure* also warned users away from the 
idea.


<http://services.entireweb.com/track/newsletter/newsletter79/click.php?id=9>

*In its 'make love not spam' campaign, Lycos entices users to join the zombie 
army with the following message:*

"Are you sick of getting unwanted messages in your inbox? Here's your chance to 
join the fight against spam as now you too can get involved. Download the Make 
Love not Spam screensaver - the only screensaver that actively works to stop 
the 
spammers - and tell your friends to do the same to spread the love."

-- 
Regards, John Durham <http://modecideas.com/contact.html?sig>
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