Spam Attack Stops Virgin E-Mail Service

Several customers of Virgin have lost contact or little access to their mail accounts for four days after a suspected spam attack. The problem affected an organization that manages messages to be delivered through the Virgin.net platform.

A spokesman from Virgin Media said that all authentic mails were stopped when the large attack started in the evening of October 7, 2008 so that the spam could be erased. The spokesperson also said that fault has been removed and all the mails are being delivered.

The company reveals that these mails read like - Virgin Media is presently undertaking maintenance of its database. It wishes to upgrade the ntlworld.com Email Security Server for efficient online services. For ensuring uninterrupted services, you are requested to forward the details to the Technical Support Center as soon as possible.

The mail also directs users to check the latest features and enhancements and the latest developed Webmail.island.net services. It also suggests ignoring unwarranted conditions with the Web mail team.

The company also claims that these mails should now be made available, but should be used through webmail, which can take long time to restore. They also added that almost 200,000 users have been using Virgin.net service but only half of them were affected by the problem.

Further, error messages appear when they tried to log in. Virgin Media also said that no mail is missing. This was because of a suspected spam attack was tolerated by the mail suppliers which also targeted several other ISPs. None of the customers on the cable service were affected.

The company also reveals that all users can use mail again now, but because of many undelivered mails, there can be short delay before some mails reach accounts of customers.

Further, the phishing attack are expanding incredibly as in similar reports it has been found that members and passengers of public got mail communications that used the Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Virgin Atlantic Airways name and logo. The mail demands private details and in some situations, money.

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» SPAMfighter News - 10/17/2008