Dreamtilt embraces icode to tackle zombie computers
Dreamtilt embraces icode to tackle zombie computers
Today Dreamtilt begins compliance with a powerful new voluntary code of practice designed to limit the damage caused by the serious and growing problem of "zombied" computers – computers which have been essentially hijacked.
The code, known as the 'icode' is the initiative of the Internet Industry Association (IIA), a not-for-profit industry organisation representing online content, connectivity and commerce businesses in Australia.
The initiative is supported by the Australian Government and is attracting the attention of governments worldwide as they grapple with the problem of hordes of infected machines coming under the control of criminals and potentially, terrorists.
The Impacts
Zombied computers can capture and forward passwords in session, send information to others without the knowledge of users, wipe information stored on machines or cause personal computers to attack other computer systems worldwide.
This carries a number of impacts:
- it threatens the privacy and security of personal information stored on computers, fuelling scams, fraud and identity theft
- infected machines can be turned into spam 'engines' (over 90% of global junk email now being sent via zombied computers)
- in extreme cases, compromised machines can be used in cyberattacks against other systems, including critical infrastructure.
Dreamtilt support to stop the issue
By following the code Dreamtilt will help by ensuring compromised computers are restricted from the Internet and the user is made aware that their computer is infected and to have it repaired.
The icode web resource (icode.net.au) is available to provide both self help tools and cost effective professional help to users, including house calls from reputable service firms. This means that ANY user, should they be notified of a suspected compromise on their machine, can be confident a solution is readily at hand.
The icode is available for download at http://iia.net.au/images/resources/pdf/icode-v1.pdf
For more information about the icode, visit icode.net.au.
