No, this is not a new Monty Python skit.This is a real operation and is being implemented right now by theSecurities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Operation Spamalothas halted trading in 35 companies. Their reason is basically thatinformation regarding these companies have been spammed out throughemail to millions of people touting false or misleading information inorder to drive up stock prices. We in Security Response have spoken ofthis phenomenon before in a couple of recent blogs, Spam and Stock Speculation and Trojan.Peacomm Part 2.
But now, the SEC has stepped in and is trying to put a stop to thisactivity and protect investors. They also state that there is anongoing investigation to find the people who are responsible for this"misconduct." Until the people behind the spamming are caught, thistype of scam will probably continue. The possible financial gain issuch that the individual(s) responsible will probably continue takingthese risks. When an organization as powerful as the SEC stands up andtakes notice, this clearly shows that it's not just another meaninglessemail that has found its way to your inbox.