Is there anything that actually gets users to fix their computers?

Fri Oct 3 14:20:26 UTC 2003

John Renwick wrote:
> 
> You've put your finger on it.  ISPs have to help users understand that their
> machines are broken in a way that makes them unable to gain access to the
> Internet -- then most will take them to the shop PDQ, and hopefully get them
> back with some protection installed.
> 

While suspending service is a harsh step, sometimes it is required to 
get the user's attention. More than that, and as explained to my 
customers, their service was interrupted because their computer was 
insecure. The level of that insecurity is unknown by us and we try to 
protect our users. After all, does the user just have Virus X, or do 
they have Virus Y which includes a keylogger?

My customers are learning what keyloggers are and what viruses are 
capable of. Wouldn't you want to know that your bank details can be 
learned despite the SECURE connection to your bank because a virus 
placed a keylogger on your computer? It's true. It scares them. Then 
again, they should be scared. Insecure systems are nothing to joke 
about. They can cause real damage.

-Jack