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Posted by Bruce Chambers on January 6, 2006, 8:33 am
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Mr. Backup wrote:
> Computer Legislation
>
>
>
> ..... If a
> persons computer was to infect mine with a virus, can I sue you for my pain
> and suffering, repair cost, etc. Will there be an insurance company that
> will insure my computer and its data in the event that something such as
> that happened?
>
>
I don't see how. After all, the infection would be pretty much your
own fault, for not taking adequate precautions. After all, if you were
to step into a busy street without bothering to look for oncoming
traffic and subsequently get struck by a car, it's hardly the fault of
the driver who hits you.
>
> What about the user; should the user be required to have a computing permit,
> similar to a drivers permit, or even a computers license to be a user of any
> computer. If you're thinking that's a crazy thought it isn't. Many
> "skilled" computer users use their systems day to day warding off attacks
> from compromised systems of users whom are clueless to what they are even
> doing on the computer. Most of which do not even realize that they have been
> infected. Where are the computer "police" to protect my systems?
>
>
There have certainly been times when I've thought that this would be a
fine idea. There are some people who simply should not be using
computers. However, I don't see any practical way of implementing any
such program, and we already have far too much of governments' delving
into private areas where they don't belong, as it is. It's up to you to
protect yourself and your own computer.
>
> I am sure if someone was to drive a car and hit parked cars on the streets
> and crash into other cars they would soon be apprehended and penalized for
> this. Should the same be applied to computer usage?
>
>
No, we really don't need any more of a "nanny" society; people need to
learn to rely upon themselves, rather than expecting impersonal
governments to babysit them through life.
There are several essential components to computer security: a
knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.
The weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer
user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected to --
protect the computer user from him/herself. All too many people have
bought into the various PC/software manufacturers marketing claims of
easy computing. They believe that their computer should be no harder to
use than a toaster oven; they have neither the inclination or desire to
learn how to safely use their computer. All too few people keep their
antivirus software current, install patches in a timely manner, or stop
to really think about that cutesy link they're about to click.
Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used
and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex,"
but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and every
computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.
To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:
Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
Home Computer Security
http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/
List of Antivirus Software Vendors
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500
Home PC Firewall Guide
http://www.firewallguide.com/
Scumware.com
http://www.scumware.com/
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH
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