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ISPA's cyber security code comes into effect

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 30 Apr 2013
ISPA's iCode, which protects consumers against online security threats, comes into effect tomorrow.
ISPA's iCode, which protects consumers against online security threats, comes into effect tomorrow.

The Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) will tomorrow institute a code that will help protect consumers against cyber security risks.

This comes about a year after ISPA announced it would lead the development of iCode - a new voluntary code of practice designed to make it safer for South Africans to work and play online.

Developed in conjunction with Australia's Internet industry association - which pioneered the approach in 2010 - the code will provide a consistent approach for South African ISPs to help inform, educate and protect customers in relation to cyber security.

SA is the second country in the world to implement network-level protection of vulnerable end-users under the iCode banner.

Mitigating malware

By following the code, says ISPA, ISPs will contribute to reducing the number of compromised computers in SA, and enhance the overall security of the South African and international Internet.

"Having notified the customer of possible infection, the ISP would then help direct its customer to resources which would assist in disinfecting the affected machine."

Marc Furman, co-chairman of ISPA, notes that the Internet has become an essential part of society and a vital platform for business. "As an industry body, we are constantly working for ways to improve the experience of end-users. We have a duty to help our clients mitigate the risks inherent in using the Internet."

ISPs that have adopted the iCode will display a trust mark on their Web sites and other communication materials.

Furman says many ISPs already follow several of the practices stipulated in the iCode.

Learn more

For in-depth discussions on security and cyber crime, be sure to attend the ITWeb Security Summit, to be held from 7 to 10 May, at the Sandton Convention Centre. In particular, keynote speaker Misha Glenny will discuss the struggle for the Internet, with emphasis on Web control, crime, commercial espionage, spying and warfare. For more information and to book your place at the event, click here.

He says there is benefit in adhering to a common standard insofar as computer and Internet security is concerned, in order to make it easier for consumers to understand the levels of service they can expect from ISPs.

"Codes like this are important in providing standards for the industry and building public trust in it."

As per the iCode, ISPs will have to undertake prescribed activities related to education, detection, action and reporting of malware.

Protection matters

"Security in the online world is a moving target," says ISPA. The association hopes the launch of the iCode will help to improve the culture of cyber security that underpins a safe Internet.

"By providing plain-English communication about cyber threats, as the iCode requires, ISPs will help inform the public. They will also help customers who are frequently infected to develop simple and effective safety strategies."

Furman says a network is, by nature, only as safe as its constituent parts. "Raising awareness among both service providers and consumers will, we believe, play a role in helping to make the Internet more secure, thus protecting both the users of the network and those who keep it up and running."

ISPs compliant with the iCode include Afrihost, Connection Telecom, Cybersmart, eNetworks, Imagine IPS, Internet Solutions, Neology, Jireh Technologies, MWeb and Workonline Communications.

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