Three Cyber Security Groups Combine to Fight against Malware

Three groups working on improving cyber security, namely StopBadware.org, National Cyber Security Alliance and Anti-Spyware Coalition, stated on 19 May 2009 that they were considering of forming a common band to fight the increasing nuisance of malicious software. The groups called their scheme "Chain of Trust Initiative."

The prospective band states that the 'Initiative' would create a link among security researchers, vendors, network providers, government agencies as well as other groups concerned about the Internet security. The band's members also expressed their desire to set up a joint front against malware distributors just as teams combined many years ago to effectively combat with adware providers.

The band is considering of framing and implementing rules for secured online behavior, while it would also concentrate on the development of tools used to supply better protection.

According to Ari Schwartz, ASC Coordinator and Vice-President of the Center for Democracy & Technology, it is not sufficient for a sector or an organization to just have a strong security to deal with flexible and rapidly evolving threats such as malicious software that takes advantage of security collapses, as reported by SoftPedia on May 20, 2009. Schwartz adds that it is necessary for all sectors and organizations to work jointly and establish a system that would survive and repel new exploits.

Maxim Weinstein, Manager of StopBadware.org, also thinks that it is crucial to cooperate with each other to endure modern complicated malware attacks. According to him, simply by the way the Internet functions, malware suppliers are able to gain a technical advantage. However, this can be responded via the strengthening of shared networks as well as through an understanding by each person about his shared responsibilities, as reported by SoftPedia on May 20, 2009.

Meanwhile, the Initiative plans to present the first paper with suggestions to deal with the chain's own fragile links by November 2009, while its leaders are already approaching main industry players and spotting sections for collaboration.

Security experts have commented that the security groups' initiative would definitely help in reducing web threats. Nevertheless, combating cyber criminals might be more difficult than forcing spyware and adware vendors to close shop, a feat which these groups have already accomplished.

Related article: Three New Threats With Highest Percentages in Top Ten

» SPAMfighter News - 5/28/2009