Australian ISPs To Disconnect Botnet "Zombies"

jibjibjib writes "Some of Australia's largest ISPs are preparing an industry code of conduct to identify and respond to users with botnet-infected computers. The Internet Industry Association, made up of over 200 ISPs and technology companies, is preparing the code in response to an ultimatum from the federal government. ISPs will try to contact the user, slow down their connection, and ultimately terminate the connection if the user refuses to fix the problem. It is hoped that this will reduce the growth of botnets in Australia, which had the world's third-highest rate of new 'zombies' (behind the US and China)."

Comments

Stop tinkering with things they don't understand

[NevarMore]

Dear Austrailia,

Quit screwing around with the internet. The rest of the world is rather fond of you, but this is really trying our patience. If maybe you had STARTED with this botnet thing we'd respect what you're trying to do, but no. You started with "protecting the children" so kiss off.

Re:Give a discount to those running clean systems.

[poetmatt]

I've never heard people suggest that before, but the idea of "using open source = discount on your internet bill" is a good idea.

Do it in a very simple way: if you're not running windows or OSX, you get a 5% discount your bill. Some might differ on whether to put OSX in the "Do not run" category.

The rest is too discriminatory and too extreme.

Re:Who will fix the problem?

[gad_zuki!]

Read my post again. I wrote "OR" switch to linux or OSX. Arguably, both are easier for lazy/stupid people to keep secure. My point, which should have been obvious, is that there needs to be a financial incentive to keep people from doing stupid things with computers. Almost all malware is preventable with a little thinking.

Not to mention blocking people is a clear indication that they are infected. They may not know this and be thankful that their private information isnt being streamed out to China or Russia anymore. Toss in some free bootable CDs with a decent malware removal program and you're good to go.

This is not anything new. When I worked at a university years ago we did the same thing. The kids would clean the infection or reinstall windows. After a while even the dimmest bulbs learned how to use a computer safely.