Well, it would appear that the UK is top of the infected PC charts again. (At least according to Symantec, who aren’t exactly unbiased given that they sell security software - not sure I always agree with their ideas).

The (much aforementioned) Metro ran a (scaremongering IMHO) article today suggesting that the Internet was doomed because of spam, worms, viruses, etc. which would eventually make it unusable. Lots of people complain about the increase of spam in particular, but I wonder: “Are you part of the problem?” Lots of spam, viruses and worms work using ‘zombie’ PCs - PCs that have been infected and are being used by crackers to send out spam, or spread viruses. Do you know for sure that your PC isn’t infected?

Do you:

1. Regularly scan for viruses using a decent virus scanner (ClamWin does the job)?
2. Regularly update your virus definitions?
3. Regularly scan for spyware?
4. Regularly update your spyware definitions?
5. Have a firewall installed?
6. Regularly check to ensure that the firewall hasn’t been breached?
7. Regularly update your Operating System and Software to patch security holes?

Are you:

1. Running a mail server that could be used as an open relay?
2. Running a web server that could be exploited?
3. Opening any ports on your firewall that are needed?
4. Keeping an eye on security reports?

I don’t believe that the Internet will ever be unusable. I do believe, however, that there may come a time when ISPs start to deny access to people who are unwilling or unable to keep their machines free of malicious code. Will you be one of those? Or do you want to cease being part of the problem?

mrBen

Over the past couple of years since I started taking public transport to work, I have become an avid reader of the Metro. It may not be the best quality publication, but it’s free. (The quality has dropped since they removed the crossword ) However, the more I read news from around the world, or even just the UK news, the more I become convinced, and thus saddened, that we are living in a blame culture. Everything has become someones fault, there is always a scapegoat, and that scapegoat always has to pay - often financially.

I believe in accidents. I believe that people make genuine mistakes, and that mistakes shouldn’t be punished. (When I say “mistake” I mean genuine lack of intent to perform said action, as opposed to the “I did think through the consequences of the action I intended”) I don’t want to grow up in a litiguous culture like America. I don’t want to be afraid that my children might sue me if I’m a bad parent, or that the teachers at a school my sue me for the behaviour of my children.

Sadly, most people are happy to continue to be part of the problem, and many are unwilling to admit that they are.

mrBen