8 | Getting Started | PureMessage for UNIX
1 Getting Started
This first section of the documentation is directed at administrators who are new to PureMessage.
In addition to complete installation and upgrade instructions, it provides an overview of the product and its functionality, and outlines various deployment scenarios.
Related tasks
Configuring End User Authentication on page 143
1.1 Welcome to PureMessage for UNIX
PureMessage for UNIX is a highly effective email filtering system that analyzes email messages at the network gateway. It protects organizations against spam and viruses and enforces corporate communication policies.
PureMessage includes a powerful set of web-based configuration and reporting tools, automated updates, and scheduled jobs that minimize the administrator's day-to-day involvement in gateway security. Administrators can manage multiple servers from a central location and, optionally, grant end users the ability to review quarantined messages themselves.
PureMessage self-adjusts its range of detection techniques as necessary to prevent protection failures. The software is automatically updated with the latest anti-virus definitions and spam rules
created by
SophosLabs
analysts.
Automated tuning technology in PureMessage constantly balances a range of detection techniques to prevent detection failures. Sophos's Genotype technology blocks families of spam campaigns and viruses, ensuring that organizations are protected against previously unseen threats, even before specific detection is available.
If necessary, administrators can create custom rules to augment the default PureMessage policy.
PureMessage works in conjunction with one of several supported mail transfer agents. Versions of sendmail and Postfix are bundled with the product, but PureMessage also supports Oracle
Communications Messaging Exchange Server, Sendmail Switch, and other versions of sendmail and Postfix.
1.1.1 How PureMessage Combats Spam
PureMessage contains thousands of spam tests that analyze individual characteristics of each message. Each of these tests has a numerical weight. When a message is analyzed by
PureMessage, the weights from all the spam tests that matched the message are added up and converted to a spam score that expresses the message's "spam probability".
By default, PureMessage checks for spam in messages that originate from outside the network, but it can also be configured to test messages originating within the local domain. If a message is found to have a spam probability of 50% or more, it is copied to the PureMessage
quarantine
.
By default, PureMessage also delivers these messages, but alters the message's subject heading to show its spam probability.
PureMessage handles incoming email as follows:
