Car maker puts brake on spam

DaimlerChrysler UK expects a new email security system to cut IT operating costs by a quarter over the next three years.

The car manufacturer installed the Sophos-based system as a result of user complaints about spam, and high maintenance requirements that arose from manually installing security patches.

There are some 460 UK outlets selling DaimlerChysler cars, including Mercedes-Benz, Jeep and Smart. Each has a localised web site containing contact information, making the firm an easy target for spammers.

‘We have so many web sites out there and our email addresses are publicised, so in a way we are more prone to spam than some organisations, and spammers are becoming more sophisticated,’ said DaimlerChysler messaging service team leader Robert Cox.

The email security appliance and anti-virus and spam software, which went live to 3,500 users in May, blocked 100,000 more malware attacks in three weeks than the previous system, with no false positives.

Cox’s messaging team received at least two to three spam complaints a day before the system was installed, but just one in the first three weeks afterwards.

Some 800,000 more spam messages have also been quarantined. Cox says the increasing number is down to a higher volume of spam coupled with the more effective security method.

‘Cost savings will come from reduction in storage space, the day-to-day maintenance staffing reduction, and cut in licensing costs and support,’ he said.

Cox expects the project to generate a return on investment within a year, and to reduce IT overheads by 25 per cent.

‘It has made a massive difference to our users and spam isn’t a problem for us now,’ he said.

The Sophos system has a plug-and-play capability that Cox says is easy and effective to manage. It also features an intuitive web-based interface and automated security updates every five minutes, which means minimal maintenance.

The technology also allows the messaging service team to easily handle end user email tracking requests, rather than having to call in third-party specialists. Remote monitoring and on-demand remote assistance also greatly reduces administration.

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Further reading:

New virus distribution tactics

Spam ratio on the rise