As a Windows user for the longest time (as countless other people), I have learned to deal with these things by making sure the security programs are updated regularly and not being stupid by indiscriminately clicking. Having switched to Mac several years ago, I was lulled into a sense of safety. Of course, we all know there is really no such thing.
Today, there are still a huge number of Internet users who fall into the malware trap, no matter what operating system they use. I guess the people behind the biggest names in technology are fed up as well.
Enter Google, Twitter, and Facebook, who have teamed up to help rid the Internet of malware.
Whether that is a realistic goal or a dream, we have to find out. The fact remains, however, that these online giants are lending their support – together with others – to a non-profit campaign that aims to take the malware bull by the horns.
The pilot organization behind the Internet cleanup campaign is StopBadware, which stick by the following points.
- model and advocate for policies and best practices that strengthen key links in the chain of trust.
- produce objective educational content to assist webmasters in preventing and removing badware.
- maintain the Badware Website Clearinghouse and conduct independent reviews of badware websites, ensuring data accuracy and transparency of blocklists.
- publish aggregated badware data, like our Top 50 Networks and Top 50 IP Addresses lists.
- operate an active community forum, BadwareBusters.org, which allows webmasters to learn from security professionals and each other about how to remove and prevent badware.
- provide insight into relevant issues via reports, public comments, our blog, and speaking engagements.
So what role does the big three play in all this? Based on an entry published by The Next Web, the actors have promised to “pool their collective talents, share best practices and formulate policy recommendations to tackle problems”. Additionally, they are willing to share relevant information with the collective as well as users.
Hopefully, with such an initiative, the Internet cleanup efforts will have a positive impact. What do you think? Is there hope?
Image via BitDefenderES