We pretty much knew this was going to end in tears when we first heard of antispam company Blue Security’s scheme to start spamming spammers. The idea was technically sound: market a software that automatically floods addresses associated with spammers with millions of emails, shutting down their servers and spam capabilities.

Unfortunately, you can’t beat the spammers at their own game. After a few early successes, Blue Security ticked off the wrong Russian, who launched a DDoS attack through thousands of computers to shut down Blue Security as well as numerous ISPs. Then he issued the company an ultimatum: Blue Security closes its doors, or the next attack includes a virus.

Of course, if the spammer had gone through with that, you know who’d be sued: Blue Security. So the company has now left the anti-spam arena with its tail between its legs. They are currently looking for a new way to use their anti-spam spamming technology to help beleaguered customers. Hey, Blue Security! How about a device that allows us to automatically funnel junk mail back to the companies that keep sending it to us?

Antispam advocate succumbs to spammer [News.com]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.