Microsoft wants 'sick' PCs banned from the internet2010-10-06 09:33 by DanielaTags: Microsoft, Internet, security
Microsoft is calling for infected PCs to be quarantined from the internet, with access denied unless they can produce a 'health certificate'. In a position paper published this week, Scott Charney, the company's corporate vice president for trustworthy computing, argues that the world needs a common health policy that would prevent malware-infected machines from connecting to the internet. "This approach involves implementing a global collective defense of internet health much like what we see in place today in the world of public health," he explains. Charney cites school policies such as compulsory vaccination for students and quarantining of infected people as an example of the sort of thing he has in mind. Read more -here-
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Sava700 - 2010-10-06 10:08
I agree but at what line do you draw in "inspect" ones PC for infections and who will be the over seeing body for this? What tools will be used to ensure they are clean - surely Microsoft will throw some of what they have out there. Could be a start to every free tool they have now to become paid and/or must have.
The PC probably got sick due to running a weak OS that is filled with exploitable holes. And after paying $$ for such an OS, the OS maker wants your PC banned from the internet...LOL.
In theory, I can understand the thoughts behind this but, I don't really want Global Obamacare for my computers. Plus, if an "infected" computer is prevented from accessing the 'net, how will the software "fix" be downloaded since not all users are lucky enough to have multiple internet-connected computers?
If Microsoft is the "kingpin" in this effort, well, we all know their track record as far as software security holes... Prevention should be the bigger issue... Always use protection. Just a couple of thoughts.
Oh I can just see all the issues now:
"Error: you have been disconnected from the comcast network due to malicious software running on your PC, please visit www.norton.com to clean your PC..." Or: "Error: you have been disconnected from the comcast network due to malicious software running on your PC, please clean your PC" *Runs antivirus/malware scanner* "Error: Cannot download new virus/malware definitions from the net" It sounds nice in theory, but in practice its just ineffective and will cause lots of issues for ISPs, especially any false positives, as well as probably increase the cost of the service packages.
How about using the "NAG" method...
Pop-up a message that Bugs the user every half hour: You've got a virus/malware! or Install Anti-Virus Software! or Install or Turn on your Firewall! or etc. It could even be nice, and supply a URL to some instructional document.
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