22nd of October, 2015

In the image, we see the various filters used by Spam Blackout. First are a set of lists including a “friends and enemy” list that the user controls. Users can also select entire countries to block emails from, as well as set phrases that are commonly used in spam messages to help Spam Blackout better filter through emails for spam.

In addition to these customized lists, Spam Blackout offers automated lists and filters. The Spammers List, created by Spam Blackout, checks email IP addresses against pre-made “dynamic Internet Blacklist databases”. In this way, emails from known spam IP Addresses will be blocked. For spammers not on the list, Spam Blackout utilizes Bayesian Analysis, which analyzes emails and calculates the probability of it being spam. These two features are supported by a host of tracker killers also used. A detailed list of each tracker blocker can be found with additional information here.Once identified as spam, emails are sent to the Spam Queue where they remain encrypted.

HCL’s programs are limited; that is, they are only available on Windows. In addition, a look into HCL’s privacy policy reveals that they, in a manner highly akin to the media coverage of AGV, share their users data with other business. Similar to AGV, Heidi Computers promise they will not share information deemed “personally identifiable”. However, based on the backlash AVG received, it is not a leap to assume that some customers are uneasy with this practice.