Filtering spam and viruses at the mail server with Amavisd-new
SCAN MANAGER
Sometimes the best time to stop bad mail is before it arrives. AmavisdNew is an Open Source interface for integrating spam and virus filtering with your mail server.
The majority of viruses are propagated via email. While it is still possible to receive viruses from floppy disks and CD-ROMs, or from Internet worms and rootkits that directly attack vulnerabilities in your operating system, you are much more likely to receive viruses via email – often by inadvertently opening seemingly innocent attachments. Of course it is important to have an up-to-date virus checker on your desktop, but defense in depth is the best approach, and this is why you should be protected from spam and viruses at your receiving SMTP server. Virus protection at the mail server prevents undesirable email from reaching your desktop, and it also keeps viruses out of your POP3 or IMAP account. Filtering from the mail server reduces the load on your desktop PC or laptop, reduces the amount of bandwidth you will use, and greatly reduces the risk of spam and viruses reaching your desktop. An additional advantage of providing this extra layer of protection is that, by using a virus checker on your desktop that is different from the content checker on your SMTP server, you reduce the risk of a virus passing undetected.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.