Linked by Jeremy LaCroix on Wed 13th Aug 2003 16:59 UTC
I am a "Technologist", a Technology enthusiast that is usually the one that is called should a major catastrophe strike an end user. My saga of computer rescues becomes a plot that is ever so thickening, if not only for the fact that's it's becoming incredibly easy for hackers and malicious code writers these days to invade personal property to find, seek, and destroy. Each year, virus and hacker threats increase, and in addition the damage trail left behind is something of a problem. Not to forget, a majority of "PC Panic" cases I've come across are often times the same common, "major" problem.
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Boy, lots of finger pointing going on here.
It is Microsoft's fault
It is the <insert derogatory comment here> user's fault
The fault lies with the jerk(s) who got their kicks writing this exploit and letting it loose.
Yes, Software vendors need to recognize that there are criminals out there and provide better protection for their users. They are beginning to get the message (yes, even Microsoft) but I imagine securing 60+ million lines of code, or whereever XP stands now on the lines of code list, is a bit of a challenge. It will take time.
Yes, users need to recognize that getting onto the Internet now requires them to demonstrate some responsibility. But the Internet was founded on openness and freedom. If we 'require' people to be licensed, you will remove the main benefit of the Internet and turn it into a hangout for the "technologically elite". Instead, the learning curve and $$ cost needs be brought down to a point where it becomes a no-brainer to the least tech-savvy.
Maybe it is the ISPs that should start shouldering some of this burden. If you sell connectivity to an end user, you should be providing a modicum of security (basic firewall built into the cable modem would be a start). Maybe you require the end-user PC to run an agent that reports its patch level to the ISP. Not patched and you can't get beyond the ISPs network (ISP would need to have a patch distribution mechanism). Sure, a tech-savvy user could find a way to bypass this, but they are most likely to be able to handle patching themselves.
Maybe they can get into licensing agreements with AV makers. ISP service comes bundled with AV with forced definition downloads - like Norton AV corp edition.
I know sonicwall's can be bundled with MacAfee (sp?) and block outbound traffic if definitions are out of date. An ISP should be able to bundle similar services and make it a selling point.
My 1,000,000 pesos