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CIT introduces new e-mail service that blocks viruses and flags spam

On Feb. 19, 2003, Cornell Information Technologies introduced PureMessage, a new e-mail service that blocks virus-infected messages and flags spam.

The service uses PureMessage, a tool from ActiveState that works at the level of CIT's e-mail (postoffice) servers and enables CIT to continue its policy of not routinely monitoring an individual's communications.

Other universities that have deployed PureMessage include Indiana University at Bloomington, Stanford University, the University of Washington and Texas A&M University.

What PureMessage Offers

Virus-blocking: With PureMessage, virus-infected messages are not delivered. CIT will notify you when this happens. (Note: You'll still need to keep anti-virus software running on your computer to block viruses that travel by some route other than e-mail.)

Spam flagging: Messages that are probably spam are still delivered, but PureMessage first adds a special tag to the Subject line (and an extra header line). Both indicate the probability the message is spam and make it easy to set up Eudora, or other e-mail software, to automatically send spam to the trash or another mailbox.

Although PureMessage itself cannot reduce the volume of spam, it does enable users to readily identify those messages. Spam, or unsolicited commercial e-mail, constitutes an estimated 5-10 percent of e-mail delivered to Cornell addresses. That's up to 100,000 messages a day, or 3 per address.

Blocking spam outright would go against Cornell's commitments to free speech and free inquiry. How to respond to spam rightfully belongs to each individual. Also, the risk of deleting legitimate messages is too high, considering that spammers strive to make their messages look legitimate.

How to Get Started with PureMessage

PureMessage works at the level of CIT's e-mail (postoffice) servers. It is not something you install on your own computer.

Initially, PureMessage is being offered on a new CIT e-mail (postoffice) server. By summer 2003, CIT expects to put PureMessage on all CIT e-mail servers. Those who choose to wait won't need to make changes on their computers.

If you'd like to start using PureMessage now, you'll need to switch your e-mail account to the new e-mail server and upgrade your Eudora and possibly your Kerberos software.

 

CAUTION: If you switch to the new e-mail server, you won't be able to use the telnet-based Travelers Mail, the old WebEmail, or Microsoft Outlook (access for Outlook will be provided in June 2003).

PureMessage can be used by Cornell community members who receive their e-mail via the CIT e-mail (postoffice) servers (the long form of their address would be a variation of @postoffice.mail.cornell.edu).

Community members whose addresses end differently (for example, @department.cornell.edu) are receiving e-mail via their department or college, and may or may not have similar services available.

Related Links

• CIT to employ a new tool for blocking spam (Cornell Daily Sun, 11/07/02)
  
  
• CIT will block e-mail viruses and flag e-mail spam in spring 2003 (11/01/02)
  
  
• You're not alone: E-mail spammers have been targeting everyone at CU (3/14/02; updated 5/23/02)

By Beth Goelzer Lyons (02/28/03; revised 4/11/03)