UK Government Launches Virus Alert Service

Phil1 writes "The BBC is reporting that a rapid alerting service that tells home computer users about serious internet security problems is being launched by the UK government. Has this been attempted anywhere else in the world? Was it successful? And will they be plugging the Microsoft Anti-Spyware package (once it leaves beta)?"

Comments

Usually Microsoft is a bad thing...but

[jessecurry]

I have to say that I am very happy with the antispyware package that they have released. It consistently finds more spyware on my girlfriend's PC than any other program I have tried.
Products such as this, and released for free, start to wash away Microsoft's evil image

Re:Usually Microsoft is a bad thing...but

[geordie_loz]

actually products like this demonstrate Microsofts development process:

1. Build Software
2. Release too early with massive hype
3. Product flaws exposed
4. Some company build solution to those flaws
5. Microsoft buy those companies
6. Microsoft Software is stapled together with that solution.
7. two solutions together have more flaws
8. go to 4 and repeat process.

There should probably be a:
9. ???
10. Profit
In there too.

That's pretty much where we're at now. This is all about fixing a problem they created in the first place, and it's more like treating the symptoms not the cause.

Unprecedented

[Albio]

Alerts will not be issued unless users can do something to protect themselves against the threat. This might include downloading an update from an anti-virus vendor or updating software to close loopholes and fix vulnerabilities. This could also include something as simple as "don't go to X domain because it hijacks your ICQ"...

Honestly, the best anti-virus measure...

[dj42]

Is to not be so stupid. People are always falling for these basic traps, like clicking "YES" to browser-based software installs, opening attachments like "Imamoron-funnystuff.exe" from their friends. It's like some people just completely lack a filter that allows you to prevent 99% of viruses just by not running or clicking things they don't need to.

I think it's largely in part to the Windows interface which plays down the "significance" of running and having running programs and software while on a network (the Internet, mostly).

I haven't had a single virus on my home machine since 1996, and I think I self-infected when I was trying to figure out how it worked.

And I NEVER use a real time virus scanner. I check my Windows computer when it behaves strangely, I see new processes, event viewer notices, etc. The fact is, even if you keep your virus-scanner (real time) up to date, all you're doing is *potentially* reducing the "reaction" time to the frequency of updates released by your particular vendor. Whereas with my method, I'm up to date on virus news, as well as the usual effects of them, and find solutions on an as-needed basis should I EVER become infected by one.

So. Yeah.

Re:Belgium has this: BIPT

[Anonymous Coward]

Indeed the BIPT does this, but almost nobody takes them serious (I know I don't) because they have been known to both miss major worms/viruses, or at least be very slow (like blaster for instance) and to report hoaxes as real viruses.

Re:Virus alert or *Microsoft* virus alert?

[geordie_loz]

I agree that there is an imperfect world, but your analogy is out a little. Parent is suggesting that solutions to these problems should include changes of software. Yes all can't swtich to Linux maybe, but advise about more secure e-mail clients such as thunderbird is good advise. Not too mention, than unlike their car, they can get their new software now at no cost. That's good news.

The main reason/problem that it is an "MS World" is that people don't know there are other things and why they should use them, after all they only really hear Microsoft's viewpoint - which is, "We're Great, Use us - It's good". Another point of view they're not even aware of would be fantastic in an independant place which less savvy users are visiting. To be like Balmer, security is about Education, Education, Education.

Prevention controls epidemics

[SgtChaireBourne]

In a perfect world, we'd run perfect software. We're not in a perfect world, and most of it uses MS software, so lets patch the holes with the tools we're given. If everyone on the road drives a ford, and fords have X mechanical problem, do you tell people how to fix the problem, or do you tell them to buy a toyota? I mean, be reasonable. maybe NEXT time they'll buy a toyota, but for now, they've GOT a ford.

Information about better options is a prequisite for making an informed decision NEXT time. Microsoft may be a problem here and now for most of the desktop users, but like with other epidemics the key to control is prevention. Sure there is a need for corrective action to help those still on MS systems on purpose or by accident. It is the responsible thing to mention better products so that informed decisions can be made as the public gets the chance.

Options like Mozilla, Firefox, Opera, Thunderbird, Eudora, and OpenOffice.org, to name a few for starters, should at least get a mention. They work here and now, even on MS-Windows. Aren't we talking about technology where we can choose the best tool for the job or is it a religion where we all face Redmond and bleat "yaaaay Bill!" ?

By neglecting to mention better options, even those options usable by MS systems, the site does two disservices. First, it turns an otherwise good idea into a state sponsored marketing campaign for a single vendor. Second, it keeps people in the dark, preventing them from improving their existing systems or to making more informed choices in the future.

Along the same lines, further proactive effort is needed to prevent defective systems from becoming a problem in your cars, television sets, taxes, public records or health care. All ofthis makes a good illustration of why commodity services and protocols are good for the market by preventing lock in.