[ExI] Bots and AI are now half of internet traffic

[BillK]

On Sat, 4 May 2024 at 18:57, efc--- via extropy-chat <
extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:
>
> I would love to see the economics of spam. I mean it increases and
> continues so obviously there must be some profit in it. I'm very curious
> about the figures.
>
<snip>
> Best regards,  Daniel
>_______________________________________________


I asked around........
BillK

Explain how spam is profitable -

Llama-3-70b-Inst-FW

The infamous spam industry! While many people view spam as a nuisance, it's
a lucrative business for those who engage in it. Here's how spam can be
profitable:

**Low costs, high volume**: Spamming is a low-cost operation. Spammers can
send massive amounts of emails or messages using automated tools and
botnets, which are networks of compromised computers. This allows them to
reach a large audience at a minimal cost.

**Monetizing clicks and conversions**: Spammers make money through
affiliate marketing, where they earn a commission for each click or
conversion (e.g., sale, download, or sign-up) generated from their spam
campaigns. They partner with companies that offer products or services, and
then promote these offers through spam emails or messages.

**Phishing and malware**: Spammers can also profit from phishing scams,
where they trick victims into revealing sensitive information like login
credentials, credit card numbers, or personal data. This information can be
sold on the dark web or used for malicious activities like identity theft.
Additionally, spammers can distribute malware, such as ransomware or
Trojans, which can be used to extort money or steal sensitive data.

**Lead generation**: Spammers can collect leads (contact information)
through spam campaigns and sell them to companies or individuals who want
to target specific audiences. These leads can be used for legitimate
marketing purposes or for further spamming.

**Selling products or services**: Spammers can promote their own products
or services, such as fake antivirus software, miracle weight loss pills, or
fake online degrees. They often use deceptive tactics to convince victims
to buy their products or services.

**Botnet rental**: Spammers can rent out their botnets to other spammers or
cybercriminals, allowing them to use the compromised computers to send spam
or conduct malicious activities.

**Click fraud**: Spammers can engage in click fraud, where they generate
fake clicks on online ads to earn money from pay-per-click advertising
models. This can be done using automated tools or by manipulating users
into clicking on ads.

**Data brokering**: Spammers can collect and sell data on individuals, such
as their browsing habits, interests, or personal information. This data can
be used for targeted advertising or other malicious activities.

**Cryptocurrency and money laundering**: Spammers can use cryptocurrencies
like Bitcoin to launder money or facilitate illegal transactions. This
makes it difficult for law enforcement to track and trace their activities.

It's essential to note that spamming is illegal and unethical, and it can
cause harm to individuals and businesses. Law enforcement agencies and
online platforms are constantly working to combat spam and cybercrime.
However, the anonymity of the internet and the ease of sending spam
messages make it a challenging problem to eradicate.
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