Report: IP networks easy prey for cyberattackers

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Easy Prey for No Good Reason.

This is all so stupid! What are most cyberattacks but the manifestation of the malware writer's ability to compromise unprotected PCs?

Governments worldwide could have passed legislation YEARS ago that would have prohibited businesses from building or selling personal computers in their jurisdictions without firewall, antivirus, and other malware protection installed and enabled by default. Had they done this, the various IT companies would have long ago worked out the necessary business arangements to accomplish this goal and we wouldn't be seeing the level of attacks that we're seeing today.

Of course I can already hear the objections of all the stupid trolls out there that spout crap like, "I don't want to be told what kind of software will be installed on my computer." And it IS crap. Individuals with enough computer knowledge to understand the differences among the various software vendors and programs can and do change the default software/security configuration of their systems.

Grandpa Newbie, on the other hand, doesn't know the first thing about computers or computer security and frankly doesn't give a damn whether his OS is Windows or Linux, or whether his antivirus protection is from Symantec or McAfee. All he cares about is that the computer works and that he is protected from the predators out there that would victimize him.

And seeing as how "Grandpa Newbie" represents the overwhelming majority of PC users today, it's totally insane to allow companies to continue selling him unprotected computers. Selling the average consumer an unprotected computer and then allowing him to go on line with it is exactly analogous to selling a car without headlights, brake lights and turn signals and then allowing the buyer to drive it on city streets until he realizes that he needs to install these items if he wants to keep on breathing?provided, of course, that he survives that long.

Many companies would voluntarily protect their computer products, but the playing field isn't level. Companies are not going to willingly go to the extra expense of protecting their products so long as their competitors can continue selling cheaper unprotected systems. No, the only way to make sure that all computers are protected is by making such protection mandatory. Few companies will object to mandatory protection (at least publicly) so long as their competitors are required to do likewise.

Posted by: Octol   Posted on: 01/15/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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