ISPs to fight zombies, spammers
- — 07 June, 2010 14:06
The Internet Industry Association (IIA) has released a new voluntary code of practice for Australian ISPs, in a bid to improve Internet safety standards nationwide.
Coinciding with the launch of National Cyber Awareness Week, the 'icode' (PDF) urges both ISPs and users to work together in identifying and reducing online threats.
IIA chief executive Peter Coroneos said that both parties needed to share responsibility for dealing with 'zombie PCs' — computers infected by malware and used to send spam, spread malware or conduct denial of service attacks.
"The icode promotes a culture of cybersecurity within Australian ISPs and their customers," Coroneos said. "The increasing threat of zombied computers — computers which have been essentially hijacked — presents a real risk to users. Identity theft, fraud, and increases in spam are all possible consequences of compromised computers."
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Stephen Conroy, helped launch the 'icode'. "It is important Australians are able to use the Internet in a secure and confident manner," he said. "The awareness week aims to educate and empower people with the information, confidence and practical tools they need to protect themselves online."
