IT Professionals

Comcast Virus Alerts

Posted by on Oct 8, 2009 | One Comment

I like the idea, but I think Comcast might need to rethink delivery. See, the concept of alerting users that it appears that their PCs are infected with malware using a banner is not really the right approach. I say this as clearly anyone paying attention is going to setup fake banners to look like it, then target people with banner look-a-likes that lead to their fake anti-virus suites. I doubt it will be the first time it would happen and chances are, it would do more harm than anything.

Assuming Comcast truly is able to determine that the data coming from the user’s PC is problematic, I say Comcast shuts the user down. Then follows up with an auto-dial call to their phone number on record asking the user to call Comcast for further instructions. Why? Because this is less likely to be faked. Not saying impossible, but it is financially less attractive for any malware providers I suspect.

What say you? Is Comcast taking the right approach with this? Should they instead, just shut people off and send them snail mail warning the end user that they need to get their PC looked at? Hit the comments, share your perspective.

  • Fred S.

    In my opinion, the later would seem a better policy then a banner.
    If a persons cable internet connection has been compromised, by some illegal software and is generating spam,etc. Or, worse is a bot on someones network and is being used to generate a DOS attacks,etc. Then be all means shut the account down until, the owner/user can get it cleaned out by a professional technician.

    Not only is that customer, possibly a unknown participant in a illegal activity; but, the possible excessive bandwidth usage that may be generated from this computer will adversely affect otherwise legal customers usage on the same circuit. Of course, the original monitoring/detecting of the problematic traffic could border on the “Big Brother” syndrome. And just, how much monitoring, would be a invasion of privacy that is infringing on customers rights.

    It is a case of if you don’t do enough to stop the problem, its your fault. And, if you do to much, then you have infringed on my rights/privacy. Its a very thin line.