What do YOU think should happen to malware authors?

C

Cheryl

New member
How do you think people who write and distribute viruses, spyware and other dangerous & unwanted computer programs via the internet should be punished?

Should they be disconnected from the internet by their ISP and put on a blacklist so they're not able to connect again?

Should they be banned from owning any device connected to the internet?

Should more public money be spent on policing malware and catching those responsable for it?

Should they be jailed for longer?

Should they receive larger, more damaging fines of say £10000+ per upload and machine damaged?

What do you feel would be an appropriate punishment for those who insist on damaging intellectual property, entering computer systems without permission and stealing personal Information?

I don't see any difference between breaking & entering someone's house & taking cash or personal items, and breaking into someone's computer & doing the same. It's fraud, theft & criminal damage all rolled into one.

Are we doing enough to stop malware spreading online?
I don't think so. Companies like Facebook & Myspace should also be held to account too if malware is spreading via their servers.
Just so you know, I run NOD32 anti virus, and use common sense :)
 
I'm going to go ahead and play devil's advocate for a second, just to add an important viewpoint and set of issues.

1. If it wasn't for the malware writers and "hackers," nothing would get fixed. Want real world proof? Look at Snow Leopard. It's wide open for exploitation because up until now, nobody cared about breaking into a Mac.

2. It's easy to make your computer immune to internet malware. Simply changing the file permissions on your temp folders and running IE as a separate user will end that risk. Yes, even on XP Home or Vista Home. Just use the cacls program, or boot into safe mode to access advanced NTFS permissions.

3. If you can't see the difference between a minor virus and breaking into somebody's house, you need to open your eyes. Your computer connected to a website. You went on the internet fully aware of the various risks. The telecom company didn't just kick in your door and force a cable modem onto your desk.

As for punishments... I advocate execution for anybody who spends more than ten years in custody and cannot reimburse the state for that time. I believe that anybody who is foolish enough to get caught deserves the harshest punishments allowed under the law.

You can't hold MySpace or FaceBook responsible... they didn't host it.
 
I'm going to go ahead and play devil's advocate for a second, just to add an important viewpoint and set of issues.

1. If it wasn't for the malware writers and "hackers," nothing would get fixed. Want real world proof? Look at Snow Leopard. It's wide open for exploitation because up until now, nobody cared about breaking into a Mac.

2. It's easy to make your computer immune to internet malware. Simply changing the file permissions on your temp folders and running IE as a separate user will end that risk. Yes, even on XP Home or Vista Home. Just use the cacls program, or boot into safe mode to access advanced NTFS permissions.

3. If you can't see the difference between a minor virus and breaking into somebody's house, you need to open your eyes. Your computer connected to a website. You went on the internet fully aware of the various risks. The telecom company didn't just kick in your door and force a cable modem onto your desk.

As for punishments... I advocate execution for anybody who spends more than ten years in custody and cannot reimburse the state for that time. I believe that anybody who is foolish enough to get caught deserves the harshest punishments allowed under the law.

You can't hold MySpace or FaceBook responsible... they didn't host it.
 
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