2009-08-01
Abstract
Working group issues best practices documents for ISPs.
Copyright © 2009 Virus Bulletin
MAAWG, the Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group, has issued a new set of guidelines for the global ISP industry which it hopes will help the industry work more closely with consumers to tackle the growing problem of bot infections.
The best practices document outlines a three-step approach which suggests ways in which bots can be detected on end-users’ machines (discussing various tools that can be used to detect infections while protecting users’ privacy), effective ways in which users can be notified that their machine has been compromised, and ways in which ISPs can help guide their customers in the removal of the malware.
A survey released by MAAWG last month indicated that while close to 80 per cent of consumers are aware of bots, only 20 per cent believe their machines will become infected – highlighting a continuing need for user-education and for steps such as these that get the industry working with its end-users to help mitigate the problem.
