


Unwanted e-mail filled in-boxes by the billions in 2003, as legal and technical efforts to stop the deluge were ineffective.
For the first time, the amount of unsolicited commercial e-mail that was
sent surpassed the number of legitimate messages. Unwitting PC users
played a part in mass
mailings
Virus and spam techniques merged this year to pose a malicious and
potent threat to corporations and network administrators. Viruses disguised as
legitimate e-mail infected many computers with programs designed to
overtake the PC and propagate
throughout a network by way of mass mailings. SoBig.F was the worst
mass-mailing virus ever recorded and the biggest example of such a spam
virus. "Swen.A," "Klez.H" and "
Antispam features also became must-haves for most firewall and e-mail gateway products. Many antispam and security companies merged or partnered in their efforts to battle the scourge, and more consolidation is expected in 2004. Microsoft founder Bill Gates even promised new technology breakthroughs in security and spam-fighting mechanisms.
Internet service
providers, federal regulators and state attorneys
Researchers also proposed e-mail verification systems to thwart spam, while industry groups formed new relationships to find solutions. Marketers, meanwhile, fought for their right to send legitimate e-mail to consumers. For example, Yahoo changed its privacy policy to allow itself new marketing liberties with consumers.
Congress passed the first federal
antispam bill, capping more than six years of
--Stefanie Olsen