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

Anti-Virus package?

[DaHat]

You linked to the Anti-Spyware app... and mentioned the AV app... have they already released a beta of the AV? I know it's been purchased and in the process of rebranding... but come on!

Belgium has this: BIPT

[wimbor]

Since a few years the Belgian regulatory body for postal services and telecommunication (BIPT), has a special unit that tracks and warns for (possible) virus attacks.

Sometimes you get a warning of the BIPT in the radio news or during the traffic information announcements.

http://www.bipt.be/bipt_E.htm

I do not know how they work or how they are structured, and if it helps at all, but the UK is not the first country to do this...

Re:Next story about this will be...

[ggvaidya]

You must be new here.

Obviously, the next story will be this story posted again by another editor. :)

Re:doesn't make sense.

[gowen]

Almost all anti-virus vendors offer this same alert.

And in 19th century New York, there were any number of competitive Fire Companies you could call if you wanted a blaze extinguished. And yet somehow, it was decided that people with a commercial interest in selling you stuff were not the people you wanted to call for an emergency.

Governments are flawed, but AV companies have a vested interest in selling you things you don't want.