A relay is a system acting as an interim station for the provision of a service. In connection with malware and spam, relays are used to conceal the real sender and prevent blocking. Open SMTP relays are of particular note. These are computers that accept e-mails from any given computer and forward them to third parties, even though they are not responsible for the e-mails of either party. Botnets are often also used for relay purposes. Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is also significant in this connection, since it is often abused as a communication interface for botnets.
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A relay is a system acting as an interim station for the provision of a service. In connection with malware and spam, relays are used to conceal the real sender and prevent blocking. Open SMTP relays are of particular note. These are computers that accept e-mails from any given computer and forward them to third parties, even though they are not responsible for the e-mails of either party. Botnets are often also used for relay purposes. Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is also significant in this connection, since it is often abused as a communication interface for botnets.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Relay. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/relay
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