Meng Wong's Perspectives on Antispam

netscoop writes "CircleID is running an interesting blog by Meng Wong, best known as the lead developer of the anti-spam authentication scheme, SPF. While touching on various recent hot issues, Meng has this to say about phishing: 'The final solution to the phishing problem requires that people use a whitelist-only, default-deny paradigm for email. Many people already subscribe to default-deny for IM and VoIP, but there is a cultural resistance to whitelist-only email -- email is perceived as the medium of least reserve. I believe that we must move to a default-deny model for email to solve phishing; at the same time we must preserve the openness that made email the killer app in the first place. The tension between these poles creates a tremendous opportunity for innovation and social good if we get things right, and for shattering failure if we get things wrong.' Right or wrong, definitely worth a read."

Comments

Re:Meh.

[slashbob22]

On the other hand, there are many times at work where I would like a default deny to my inbox. While only a small amount if it is spam, the bulk of my incoming emails may be considered a waste of time.

Spam emails are not the only source of email non-sense. I was sucked into an email conversation with a person whose workspace is 20m (65 feet) from mine. While the question was valid, a simple walk across the room would have solved the question much quicker then the banter. In the interest of my sanity, I was forced to walk to their area and complete the instruction.