Responsibilities of software developers and user on the

Internet

Some fact about virus

• Internet computer virus problems cost 12 billion dollars in year 1999 world wide.

• E-mail is the most common way to transmit viruses.

• Computer virus problems are growing.

Problem associated with Software companies

• Try to create “easy to use” software which causes problems

• Software applications have too many features

• Poor software quality assurance

• Over-estimating software user

Problem with Internet users

• Lack of technical knowledge and education

• Blind trust

• Using software without a good understanding

Anti-Virus software technology

• Virus Scan Mail Server

• Anti-Virus Software

• Proxy/Firewall

Unresolved Anti-Virus Software Technology Issues

• Virus Scan Mail Sever• Slow down the server, limits server load

• Would not work on encrypted messages

• Anti-Virus Software• Virus signature outdates

• Proxy/Firewall• Difficult to configure

• Certain access is denied by the server (FTP/Telnet)

• No protection against e-mail attachments

How can we improve?

• Developers– Improve quality assurance to minimize bugs– Require users to learn the software in order to

use “advanced” features

• Users– Use Anti-Virus software as a tool– Take responsibility of security– Learn the threat of Internet use

References

– “Learn IT right from wrong”, www.infoworld.com, Linda Pliagas

– “More flaws in Internet Exporer and Outlook: Now you can receive e-mails that read you”, www.infoworld.com, Brian Livingston

– “Increasing Number of firms blame data loss on viruses,www.computerworld.com, Jakumar Vijayan

– “Study: Workplace computer virus infections on the rise”, www.computerworld.com, Patrick Thibodeau

– “Study: Viruses cost $12B in ‘99”, www.computerworld.com, Brian Fonseca

– “Hackers hitch ride on E-mail; lack of security opens door”, www.computerworld.com, Barb Cole-Gomolski