Comcast's automated pop-ups, which inform users about infections on their computers, is an important step to counter spamming and phishing.
Earlier in October, Philadelphia-based cable company, Comcast launched an automated service which warns broadband users about possible virus infections and malware on their computers. For example, a sudden surge in email traffic from a specific IP (Internet Protocol) address could mean that the system’s been hijacked by a virus, which uses it to send spam as part of a botnet.
Jay Opperman, Senior Director of Security and Privacy at Comcast said that the alerts will go off as soon as a system on Comcast’s network engages in activities associated with bots, such as sending thousands of emails to other systems. Jay also said that the company will receive a notification if one of its customers is identified as the source of spam on an industry spam list.
Denver-based customers are going to be among the first few to get access to this free anti-malware service known as Comcast Constant Guard. Once activated, Comcast Constant Guard will notify infected systems through a pop-up message in the browser. The service will also include a link that will guide users on how to deal with the infection.
Opperman pointed out that the company started this service nearly a year ago, with the Comcast support staff getting in touch with customers over the phone. Customers responded so positively that it prompted the company decided to extend its reach and automate the setup. The rest of the country will receive this service soon and replace the phone calls Comcast makes to notify its customers about threats to their systems.
Comcast Constant Guard is a great idea and it’s also the first computer security threat notification service to be provided by a major ISP. Other service providers should follow suit and put a stop to any botnet like or other suspicious activities and carry out a full-scale inquiry to identify and counteract the threat.
These initiatives will give a much needed boost to online security and reduce instances of spamming and phishing. It’s also refreshing to see an ISP be proactive about online privacy, considering that they are, and always have been, best placed to counter such threats. Kudos to Comcast!
Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10370996-245.html
