Microsoft files civil lawsuit to stop SPIM offenders in Messenger


Posted by absorbation on Mon 03 Aug 2009 (14:12 GMT) (5886 views)
You may be familiar with the term SPAM but in recent years SPIM, which is basically SPAM through instant messaging, has become much more common. Back in September we talked about the rise of SPIM bots through Windows Live Messenger and how Windows Live Messenger 9 added features to stop them. Now it appears Microsoft are taking the next step by trying to take down one the biggest companies behind SPIM through MSN/ Windows Live Messenger.

This case arises from Defendants' abuse of Microsoft's Windows Live Messenger service, and the abuse of Microsoft's users, through a phishing and instant messaging spam ("spim") campaign. Defendants are using false and misleading messages to induce Windows Live Messenger users to visit websites designed to deceive them into divulging their Windows Live usernames and passwords. Defendants then use the login credentials to gain unauthorized access to Windows Live Messenger user accounts for the purpose of sending unsolicited commercial spim to other Windows Live Messenger users.



According to Ars Technica Hong Kong-based Funmobile, its US subsidiary Mobilefundster, and several individuals are being sued by Microsoft in Redmond. The burden SPIM bots have on the program's 330 million users needs to be tackled and it's good to see Microsoft is providing a firm response to the problem by rooting out the cause.



Read more: Microsoft's full compliant (PDF)
Source: Ars Technica
2 comments

Tags:     SPIM  Security    

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Comment by Chris
Posted on Fri 07 Aug 2009 (19:06 GMT)
@David:

Thanks, I've fixed that .

Chris.


Comment by David Politis
Posted on Tue 04 Aug 2009 (06:21 GMT)
Microsoft in Reymond?

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