machine project in infosec · in this project, the term spam refers to the unrequested or...

INFOSEC Machine Project: MailWasher

A Group Project by: Hipolito, Jovellano, Pachico, Ruiz

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Machine Project in INFOSEC MailWasher

Submitted by:

Joanna Marie Pauline T Hipolito Monique Isabela S Jovellano

Mikhaela Francesca G Pachico Angelica Laurene S Ruiz

Submitted to: Professor Justin David G Pineda

14 April 2016



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Contents Machine Project in INFOSEC ........................................................................................................... 1

MailWasher ................................................................................................................................. 1

Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4

Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 5

Prerequisites ............................................................................................................................... 5

Setup ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Testing ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Test 1: Claim-Your-Prize Spam .................................................................................................. 11

Description ............................................................................................................................ 11

Results ................................................................................................................................... 11

Test 2: Bulk Spam ...................................................................................................................... 13

Description ............................................................................................................................ 13

Results ................................................................................................................................... 13



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Abstract

In this project, the term spam refers to the unrequested or unsolicited bulk messages

received in e-mails. Spams are usually used for commercial purposes but can also be used for

malicious attacks. It is important to block these spams even before they can damage the infor-

mation in the system and to do that, an anti-spam should be implemented. Installing an open

source anti-spam software like MailWasher mitigates the potential security threats from these

spams. What it does is it filters or scans the content of e-mails and may even monitor email sig-

natures, IP addresses, or other data to reduce spams. To test if MailWasher works, e-mails that

are considered spam were sent to an account that uses the anti-spam software. These e-mails

should meet the conditions that were set in the configuration of the software. If it works, Mail-

Washer should indicate that the e-mails were indeed spams.



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Introduction

Spamming is an act of using the electronic communication systems in order to send mul-

tiple unsolicited messages with the same content. It is commonly in the form of an electronic

mail or e-mail and is most of the time used for advertising products and conducting dangerous

schemes that can harm the users. It can also cause internet traffic thus slowing down daily oper-

ations. This has become a common problem to ordinary users, organizations and other institu-

tions that uses electronics as a form of communication. This led to the development of anti -

spamming tools. One example is the MailWasher that was developed by the New Zealand based

company FireTrust. MailWasher is an open-source email filtering software for Windows that can

detect and delete spam from the mail server before being downloaded in a user’s terminal. This

will be more beneficial to the users because it implements security and convenience. Potentially

dangerous spam and unwanted e-mail is prevented from entering the terminal. As a result, there

would be a speedy downloading process for mails.

The MailWasher anti-spamming tool displays unique features that is favorable for the us-

ers. For instance, it sends notification when mails arrive and accordingly marks suspicious mes-

sage contents. Also, the user can specify their own filters by configuring the tool based on their

preference through the global white list which and black list. The tool offers the option to give

exceptions to the people that the user knows from spam checking. Additionally, a Bayesian en-

gine is included to automatically enhance spam detection. With regards to user experience, the

MailWasher is on par with other high quality e-mail filtering software. It is basically easy to use

because of the simple interface making it effective and user-friendly.

Installing MailWasher has a lot of advantages. One is that there would be no reported

spam entering the terminal, computer or other electronic devices because of its extensive capa-

bility as an anti-spamming tool. Every e-mail received would be first checked before getting into

the computer. It is also possible not to lose valuable e-mails because it utilizes intelligent spam

tools that ensures the reliability of the software.



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Configuration

Prerequisites

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Size: 19.5 MB

Setup

To download MailWasher, go to http://www.mailwasher.net/download-mailwasher-free.

http://www.mailwasher.net/download-mailwasher-free



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After successfully installing MailWasher, run the application.

Go to Settings > Accounts > Add Email Account. (It is recommended that the users register their gmail account for convenience.) Then click Save.



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Click the Incoming tab. On the Server Type, choose IMAP. Then type the desired username and

password. Click Save.

Proceed to the Outgoing tab. Type the SMTP server address, then click Save.



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Go to the IMAP tab. Check the folder that says Gmail then click Save.

Proceed to the Spam Tools > Filters. Click Add Filter and then Add Rule. This is where all the keywords considered as a Spam should be listed. Then Save.



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After the configuration of MailWasher, go to Inbox and then try to send a trial spam on your

email address to test if it is working.

Go to the Inbox and click Check Email. The email will be detected and the MailWasher will start evaluating the message.

If the email is a spam, this will happen:



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If the user wants to delete the email before it appears on the email inbox, just click Wash Mail

and it will be deleted.

Now, check the gmail and see if the spam was received or not.



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Testing

Test 1: Claim-Your-Prize Spam

Description

To check if the anti-spam works, an e-mail was sent with the words "You won". These

words were included in the list of keywords that make the e-mail considered a spam. If it works,

the MailWasher will flag it as a spam.

Results



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Test 2: Bulk Spam

Description

This time, the spam will be detected based on its quantity. If the a bulk of messages is

received from a single account with a restricted keyword that would make the e-mail a spam,

then these bulk of messages would indeed be considered as spam. The mailwasher can als o ac-

cept emails that are not yet known as a spaim and user can manually assign it as a spam by click-

ing the thumbs down button.

Results



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----- NOTHING FOLLOWS -----

machine project in infosec · in this project, the term spam refers to the unrequested or...

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