Andreas Saurwein wrote:
Hi everybody!
I've been wondering what would happen if every mail server starts to
blindly accept every mail address as long as it belongs to a valid
domain served by this server. I think that is commonly known as
catch-all or blackholes.
As I see it, this would have two effects:
1) a dramatic rise of spam sent to non-existant mail addresses
2) huge numbers of non-existant mail addresses on spammers lists
Wouldnt that render the spam lists worthless in a rather short time?
Nobody would be able to distinguish real from wrong mail addresses
anymore. Directory Harvest attacks would have a 100% success rate but
depending on the program a almost 0% rate of useful results.
I am aware of the impact this might have on mail servers. But how long
would it take for spammers change their tactics?
My guess is, it would take very long. It wouldn't really hurt the
spammers. The spammers don't care that the recipients do not exist. They
already send a lot of mail to non-existing addresses. If it gets
bounced, who cares? Well the ISP or users whose domains or addresses are
abused as the sender address probably do.
What would happen is that a lot of messages are simply accepted in stead
of bounced. It gives an opportunity to feed DCC and razor networks and
statistical filters. That's all.
Menno
--
Menno Pieters - Stelvio
Postbus 215, 3740 AE Baarn
phone: +31-35-5.429.324 / fax: +31-35-5.429.327
XOIP: +31-84-8.720.349 / Web: http://www.stelvio.nl/
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