‘Dirty Dozen’ List Provides Clues Where Spam Originates

LYNNFIELD, Mass. — The United States leads the honeypot when it comes to spam, so says antivirus company Sophos.

The country is responsible for exporting 43 percent of all spam and leads a list of the top 12 spam-producing nations.

With the data in its “Dirty Dozen” list, Sophos said that measures to squelch spam have been disappointing.

"Six months [after the Can-Spam Act] and millions of spam messages later, it is quite evident that the legislation has made very little headway in damming the flood of spam,” Sophos analyst Chris Kraft told XBiz. “If nine months isn't long enough to make a significant difference, how long is?"

Lynnfield, Mass.-based Sophos released the first analysis of spam origins in February.

According to Sophos, the top 12 spam-producing countries are as follows: United States, 43 percent; South Korea, 15 percent; China (including Hong Kong) 12 percent; Brazil, 6 percent; Canada, 3 percent; Japan, 3 percent; Germany, 1 percent; France, 1 percent; Spain, 1 percent; United Kingdom, 1 percent; Mexico, 1 percent; and Taiwan 1 percent. Other nations accounted for 12 percent of all spam.

Sophos said that the most broadband-connected nation in the world, South Korea, has consolidated its position as a leading producer of spam - almost tripling the percentage of spam originating from its shores since February.

Kraft told XBiz that most PCs sending out spam are most likely to have had their broadband connections exploited by remote hackers. Zombie computers — PCs that have been compromised by hackers or virus writers — are sending out approximately 40 percent of the world's spam, and many users who fall victim are unaware.

"It's of no surprise that spammers are motivated by one thing - quick, easy money," Kraft said. "There are plenty of spammers who have taken their money making schemes to the extreme by hacking into innocent third-party computers in an effort to do their dirty work.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Sex Work CEO Debuts Upgraded 'GPTease' AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Canvas in-chat editing feature to its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Show More