Australia Working to Disconnect ‘Zombie’ PCs from Network

The Government of Australia is working on a project to make an industry code that ISPs can voluntarily adopt in an effort to identify and isolate zombie computers. Based on a co-ordination with the Internet Industry Association, the Government intends to wipe out the malware-dissemination problem.

The move is a result of the industry's recent intelligence according to which Australia is the third largest country hosting zombie computers that spammers controlled during 2009. The nation follows the USA and China, which were placed first and second respectively.

As per some estimates, Australia is responsible for 6.3% of all fresh zombies worldwide compared to the US 18% and China 13.3%.

Moreover, the Internet Industry Association is reportedly preparing the voluntary industry code, which will be enforced later in 2010. The Association has many big network partners like Hutchison 3G, Vodafone, AAPT, Telstra, Virgin and Optus along with the leading industry players such as Microsoft, Google and Facebook.

The code's draft copy states that any PC found to be infected should anticipate a phone call or e-mail. Under the novel propositions, ISPs will incorporate an "abuse" program according to which an infected end-user can get in touch with the helpdesk if his broadband connection slows down or his password unexpectedly changes.

Apart from this, the draft copy states that end users could be given a timeframe during which they can take remedial action, which (if not complied with) would result in service termination.

In the extreme case, end user will see a service termination of his broadband. This extreme situation can be either when the user's personal computer is sending so much spam that it is blocking the Internet or when the user declines from deploying antivirus software.

Commenting on the Association's initiative, the central Department of Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy stated that it would mean less time to introduce the "voluntary industry code" in comparison to any legislation. The Department also said that it had stated that if the plan didn't work, then it would be necessary for the government to think about stronger options because the problem was serious.

Related article: Australian Blogger Uses Spam To Boost Blog

» SPAMfighter News - 2/2/2010