BT is introducing a new spam detection system to protect customers on its broadband network.

The system, from supplier StreamShield Networks, scans millions of emails a day, providing BT with detailed reports on the location and size of spam-related problems originating from its network. 

'We’re turning the tables on professional spammers and cutting off this scourge of the internet at source,' said BT Retail chief technology officer Stratis Scleparis.

'This innovative approach both tracks down and reduces spam messages on our network, and at the same time helps our customers overcome the threat of infection by bots.'

The system saves time and resources for BT by automatically identifying spam problems, and prevents bandwidth being wasted on unwanted spam and virus infected traffic.

BT’s customer security team can then take immediate action against professional spam operators, which could include terminating rogue accounts and adding offending IP addresses to industry-wide blacklists.

This will allow BT to focus more effort on contacting and helping customers rid their PCs of botnet infections – reducing the likelihood of email traffic from BT networks being blocked by other providers and third-party email systems.

What do you think? Email us at feedback@computing.co.uk

Further Reading:

BT confirms NHS subcontractor switch

BT nears completion of NHS broadband rollout

BT pulls out of £1bn Courts IT race