Spam Filter - How FilterMy.Com detects junk email.

Spam, junk email, bulk email, UCE are all basically the same thing. It can be annoying, offensive or even dangerous. Like most internet users, you would prefer not to get it. We can help. Our spam filters are constantly being updated to ensure that we are being as effective as possible without stopping the flow of any legitimate email.

Here is how we do it...

Your email is forwarded to our network where our system analyzes it. We use a number of different methods to determine whether or not an email is spam. Our system is much more effective than any system that uses only one method of spam detection. All email that enters runs through approximately 750 different rules and tests (some methods are described below). A score is determined and the email is either deleted or passes through, based on its "spam probability". This system is proving to be very effective and you will notice a significant, immediate reduction of junk email.

Pattern Matching Pattern matching is a method of describing a message in terms of its content. The spam filter examines layout and organization, to identify the common characteristics of spam. An advanced pattern matching engine simultaneously applies thousands of algorithms during a single pass. The results determine a probability rating, and assign the appropriate action. Patterns are updated regularly to identify new tactics.

Spam Definitions Spam definitions are patterns used to identify specific instances of spam. They detect multiple instances of material considered sufficiently similar to be the same message; for example, hoaxes and chain letters that may otherwise be difficult to detect. Spam definitions are updated regularly.

Real Time Black Lists The Real Time Blackhole List (RBL), DSBL and DNSBL are compilations of networks that either allow spammers to use their systems to send spam, or have not taken action to prevent spammers from abusing their systems.

Heuristic Analysis Heuristic analysis uses a series of internal tests to determine the likelihood that a message is spam . Each test is weighted with a point value to reduce false positives. The total probability of spam is examined to determine an overall score, and a mapping function assigns the appropriate action.

Pattern Matching	Pattern matching is a method of describing a message in terms of its content. The spam filter examines layout and organization, to identify the common characteristics of spam. An advanced pattern matching engine simultaneously applies thousands of algorithms during a single pass. The results determine a probability rating, and assign the appropriate action. Patterns are updated regularly to identify new tactics.
Spam Definitions	Spam definitions are patterns used to identify specific instances of spam. They detect multiple instances of material considered sufficiently similar to be the same message; for example, hoaxes and chain letters that may otherwise be difficult to detect. Spam definitions are updated regularly.
Real Time Black Lists	The Real Time Blackhole List (RBL), DSBL and DNSBL are compilations of networks that either allow spammers to use their systems to send spam, or have not taken action to prevent spammers from abusing their systems.
Heuristic Analysis	Heuristic analysis uses a series of internal tests to determine the likelihood that a message is spam . Each test is weighted with a point value to reduce false positives. The total probability of spam is examined to determine an overall score, and a mapping function assigns the appropriate action.