Spam filtering using spam mail communities

Abstract

We might have heard quite a few people say on seeing some new mails in their inboxes, "Oh! that spam again". People who observe the kind of spam messages that they receive would perhaps be able to classify similar spam mails into communities. Such properties of spam messages can be used to filter spam. This paper describes an approach towards spam filtering that seeks to exploit the nature of spam messages that allow them to be classified into different communities. The working of a possible implementation of the approach is described in detail. The new approach does not base itself on any prejudices about spam and can be used to block nonspam nuisance mails also. It can also support users who would want selective blocking of spam mails based on their interests. The approach inherently is user-centric, flexible and user-friendly. The results of some tests done to check for the feasibility of such an approach have been evaluated as well.