The participation of the country’s internet service providers in the Australian Internet Security Initiative (AISI) has led to a significant improvement in consumer security according to recent research by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

 

AISI is an initiative of ACMA, and currently has 130 participants that included ISPs and universities.

 

The Australian Internet Security Initiative—provider responses to security-compromised computers report found that almost all of the internet providers interviewed use AISI malware reports provided by the ACMA to help identify and assist customers on their networks who are infected with malware.

 

“Internet providers perform an important role in the fight against malware and to best help protect their customers it is important that they fully action the AISI malware reports,” said ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman.

 

The research of 24 interviews with ISPs and universities also found that:

  • many of the internet providers interviewed rely solely on the AISI malware reports for information about malware infections
  • internet providers usually notify their customers of their malware infection by email
  • over half of the providers interviewed also provide step-by-step assistance to affected customers if needed.

 

Participation in the AISI by internet providers is voluntary. However, the ACMA strongly encourages new internet providers to join and help combat the threats to their customers’ online security.