Broadband Internet Use Has Its Risks
from the no-surprise-there dept
A new study is coming out telling us something most people already know. High speed internet connections have more security risks, mainly due to their "always on" nature. What they don't seem to point out (though, it's been pointed out by other studies) is that many people already seem to realize this. The real problem isn't education about the risks - it's that most users are confused by security offerings and are afraid to install it themselves. They would prefer if their ISPs handled everything at the other end so that end users didn't have to worry about a thing.
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ISPs Responsibility
With those two programs running on every one of their connected Windows machines, we could see viruses, worms, DDOS attacks and just about everything else eliminated in short order in the U.S., but only if the ISPs really want to do it.
Maybe with all the crazy 'net legislation being discussed, we should encourage our senators and representatives to push for mandatory anti-viral and firewall software inclusion in all broadband startup kits. Don't mandate the use of it, just make sure that every user gets a copy of the software.
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Re: ISPs Responsibility
At the level of the home computer, I would argue that antiviral and firewall software are not the responsibility of these service providers. Their responsibility lies at the network level. They should be held accountable for the integrity of their own network -- the means of holding them accountable will surely be driven by market forces.
Instead, let me offer a different model which does still include government regulation and accounts for personal choice as well - the automobile manufacturer and its responsibilities under government regulation.
Now I don't know whether HP or Microsoft should be the point at which antiviral and firewall software is bundled with a computer, but I do think that the analogy to seatbelts and airbags is appropriate. In fact I would lean more toward the OEM being responsible: Just as they must choose a processor, OS, HD configuration and software bundle to move their machines in the market, they should include Antivirus and Firewall software.
The argument for government regulation or enforcement of this requirement goes to the Internet being a common good. Like the U.S. highway system, there is a compelling interest for a minimum level of regulations (speed limits, seatbelt laws, etc.)
So, yeah. You may not buckle your seatbelt, just as you may not update your antivirus software, but there is a strong compelling interest for that seatbelt to be there in the first place.
-Saygin?
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laziness never pays off.
THis is the same mentality that is at the source of the "Blame videogames" series. Can't be bothered, it should be a law, do it for me...no I shouldn't have to pay taxes...not my fault.
Its not THAT freakin hard to take rudimentary (and in most cases, its enough) security steps, if my grandmother can do it, so can anyone.
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Re: laziness never pays off.
There is no good reason why an ISP shouldn't be responsible for making sure that all of their customers have all the software they need from Day 1 and provide support to them for installing it.
It's no different from when I got to renew my license plates and the BMV makes sure I have valid car insurance before they'll let me drive another year. They have a legal, ethical and moral responsibility to make sure that the users of their service (the 'privilege' of driving) are protecting themselves and others around them.
Earthlink goes out of their way to tell you about the free pop-up blocker that they provide, MSN is gung-ho about the SPAM e-mail protection that they provide - where are the ISPs who are going on and on about the security and safety that they provide?
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Re: laziness never pays off.
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