Is Internet security ISPs’ problem?

Posted on | December 19, 2005 | No Comments

There are a large faction of people who think that your Internet Service Provider should be doing a good deal more to prevent what seem like common problems nowadays.

For example, my organisation’s acceptable use agreement, which every customer signs, clearly explains that customers are responsible for keeping their own systems secure as part of their contract with us. Included in that agreement is the ISP’s right to terminate access in the event of a security incident that affects the ISP.

We’ve lost many potential customers because of this inclusion. Many people refuse to sign a contract that explicitly gives the ISP the right to shut them off if they cause problems for the ISP or other Internet users.

The article does a great job of showing both sides of the coin. I believe that both side have to do their own part. For us users, we must have the basic protection for these Internet threats like a good (and updated) Antivirus and firewall. And on the ISP side, a good protection / security measures for its customers.