No security software – no surfing!

The Government in Australia is in active discussions to make it mandatory that you have to have internet security software in place to use the internet. In addition, they are also looking at additional resources that would allow them to crack down on cyber-criminals.

Now, I am sure that it will come as no surprise that I actively endorse the ambition here. Many of you would expect nothing less of me – putting to one side the self-interest angle here for sales Norton software. One of the biggest issues and challenges that we face at Symantec, and the industry as a whole, is to keep consumers and users engaged in the issue of internet safety. For many of them, they simply cannot be bothered and hope for the best. For others, they seem overwhelmed by the never ending stream of new attacks and scams.  

The Australian debate strikes at the heart of this; ensuring that people take adequate precautions to try and protect themselves and the community at large. This is an interesting and very important point. If I take all the time and attention to keep myself safe online, whilst my virtual neighbours do not, then, to borrow a phrase, ‘it is a plague on both of our houses’. If we want to proactively take the fight to the bad guys, then everyone needs to step up. In security, you are only as strong as the weakest link in the chain. Having people use the internet who are not protected and not taking even basic precautions is worrisome and effects all of us.

There are many questions that I have as a result of the discussion in Australia.  I will be interested to see how they are addressed. What actually will constitute ‘internet security software’? What will the role and the responsibility of the ISP be ensuring that a user is using security software and what will enforcement of this look and feel like. I am sure it is going to be interesting.

June 25, 2010 | Filed Under Announcements, Security 

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