Xtra Implements Further Measures Against Spam

Xtra Implements Further Measures Against Spam

In a move to further prevent spam New Zealand’s largest internet provider Xtra is to commence filtering e-mail traffic on Port 25.

Port 25 is an Internet port dedicated to sending e-mail. However, it is also used by spammers to send unwanted emails. New viruses and worms are also often spread across the Internet via this port.

Xtra Security spokesman Luke Baxter says although Xtra’s anti-spam filter detects, marks-up or removes over 20 million pieces of spam a week, some spam still gets through.

“The filtering of Port 25 will further assists ISPs in the on-going battle against spam not to mention other security threats such as viruses and worms.

“Filtering Port 25 is now considered international best practice. We are taking the lead in New Zealand, but many large Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Europe, USA and Australia already filter the port. We encourage other New Zealand ISP’s to follow suit,” says Mr Baxter.

The filtering of Port 25 should not affect any Xtra services, such as XtraMail, or any web based e-mail programmes such as Hotmail.

Port 25 will will be filtered from April 26 and will be extended to all Xtra customers over several weeks.

Mr Baxter says customers don’t need to do anything to benefit from the move.

“It will be an automatic process. Most Xtra customers won’t even notice the change. But if we do think your Internet connection is using Port 25 directly, instead of our dedicated e-mail servers, we will be in touch to let you know what to do,” he says.

ENDS

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