Spam emails levels drop under 50%, Symantec report show

A recent report by security firm Symantec has revealed spam email levels have dropped to levels not recorded since way back in 2003.

The report shows that the percentage of spam email being sent was at a low of 49.7%, the first time is has dropped below 50% since September 2003.

This includes a variety of email scams too, not just spam flouting sex supplements and casino vouchers. Phishing scams and email malware scams also dropped, suggesting that our email inboxes maybe becoming a slowly safer place to visit.

But why the drop?

The conviction of popular scammers certainly has had an impact. An FTC intervention against one particular spammer resulted in a whopping 80% drop in spam emails peddling dietary supplements. Whilst it is notoriously difficult to convict spammers because of the international nature of the crimes, convictions and actions are made against high profile spammers.

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But it would be hubris and naïve to assume that legal action is the only reason why spam has begun to decrease. Evidence suggests that scammers are increasingly exploiting other platforms. It is likely that the success rate of many email scams has dropped substantially as they gain notoriety, and the lure of social media platforms – where people often share even their most private of information – has proved enticing.

Malware and ransomware variants are still at record highs according to Symantec, and social media scams of all kinds are still prolific.

So whilst the drop in spam email is generally a good thing, it comes attached with a warning. The scammers and spammers are still out there, they are just looking for newer, more innovative ways of trying to trick you. So be aware!