New internet safety campaign
For some time now, security experts have begged the U.K. Government to tackle the problem of hacking and zombie networks by targeting ISPs who let malware through their networks and onto end users' computers.
With the launch of the Get Safe Online campaign last week as a joint initiative between the U.K. Government, the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit and private sector sponsors those demands are being made with even greater urgency. Now experts are criticizing the campaign for failing to confront ISPs over the problem of malware.
"Any action is better than none – but really the responsibility, we believe, lies with site owners and with ISPs" said Gabriel Swift of VeriSign. He argued that greater use of certification tools, such as VeriSign's helps customers avoid "fake" sites and if they become more commonplace consumers are less likely to be fooled. Others are critical of the industry in general for using terms that confuse the public. Tom Newton of SmoothWall said: "The problem at the moment is that internet security is a confusing landscape, with tech jargon going over the heads of the typical consumer,"
It would appear that the ISPs were actually rebuffed by the Government and some more cynical commentators are suggesting that it is little more than an exercise in being seen to be doing something. Furthermore, the costs of becoming a sponsor of the project are not cheap. AOL was, it is claimed, asked for £150,000. This makes it hard for many of the companies who have real and valuable expertise to become involved – especially when so many of them are US owned and this is a UK-only initiative. For more information, visit www.getsafeonline.org
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