McAfee to Issue Updated SpamKiller

After purchasing SpamKiller from Novasoft last year, McAfee worked to broaden the software product with a different architecture while keeping its strong suits intact.

Now the software maker is gearing up to release the first major revision of the product under its auspice. SpamKiller 5 is currently undergoing beta testing, with a release to manufacturing date set for September 5.

SpamKiller utilizes multiple layers of spam protection in order to accommodate what McAfee identifies as two distinct types of spam haters: people who simply do not want to see it, or those who desire control.

McAfee aims to allow only desired mail through using newly introduced character-set language filtering with signature based analysis, abstract pattern matching, and a new behavior based filtering engine.

Like McAfee's antivirus offerings, product update features keep signatures up to date –- matching algorithms popular with spammers -- to prevent the insidious spread of unsolicited mail.

Because McAfee operates under a subscription based pricing model, any new features will also be pushed to customers. Updates are scheduled to be received at least once a week or more.

SpamKiller's more hands on approach to spam entails a mixture of blacklists, friend lists, priority and Bayesian analysis. Bayesian analysis is a probability based technique that seeks out telltale signs of spam and improves its filtering capabilities as more spam comes in. This analysis is assisted by user initiated and a machine based confidence mechanism – a system of checks and balances designed to improve accuracy.

Paying customers continue to have access to reporting features in order to attempt to curtail any particular spammer's activities.

McAfee is additionally working to block e-mail from scammers, which have become ever more present on the Internet. PayPal scams, virus hoaxes, credit card and identity theft, present a clear and present danger to home users.

Many of these rip-offs attempt to work off of the pretense of social engineering - presenting believable scenarios where friends and family or even co-workers will forward mail to one another. Traditional e-mail filtering allows these through its netting.

In order to combat this trend, McAfee has introduced what it calls a "ScamFilter" in SpamKiller 5.

SpamKiller 5 will sport a new streamlined interface to align it with other McAfee products. Through this interface, a variety of settings are present for both casual and power-users.

Parental controls are incorporated into user profiles. Windows XP profiles are sought out during installation, and separate preferences and learning take place on behalf of each individual. Settings and filters can also be backed up in case of system failure.

Although McAfee's SpamKiller represents a matured product that made its debut in 1997, many alternate solutions are available with more to come. BetaNews has learned that Symantec has plans for a 1.0 release of its own solution code-named Ricon.

SpamKiller 5 is set to hit store shelves around September 18, and is priced at $39 USD.