While CAN-SPAM compliance reached just 7% in December, it has stimulated a shift in Bad Guy tactics. Now the gloves are off. If they’re going to the slammer anyway, the vermin figure they may as well give it their best shot.

They’re emailing viruses that hijack computers for zombie networks. Then they’re directing the stolen computers to send more viruses and send phishing spam. The phishing messages combine email with browser redirection to get to the real gold: Identity theft, along with control of folks’ credit cards and other personal details.

Results: Spam is up. Identity theft is up. And credit card fraud is up.

An impressive record by any standard.