ISPA to launch cyber security code of practice in SA

South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) has teamed with Australia’s Internet Industry Association to develop a new voluntary industry code of practice to improve cybersecurity for end users. Known as the ‘icode’, and developed in conjunction with Australia’s Internet Industry Association, the code will provide a consistent approach for South African ISPs to help inform, educate and protect their customers in relation to cyber security.

"The increasing threat of zombied computers - computers which have been essentially hijacked and are under the control of criminals or other third parties - presents a real risk to users. Identity theft, fraud, and increases in spam are all possible consequences of compromised computers."

By following the code, ISPs will contribute to reducing the number of compromised computers in South Africa and enhance the overall security of the South African and international Internet.

The security code initiative was welcomed by the banking sector, which is intrinsically affected by malware and security breaches.South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) CEO Kalyani Pillay says the country's banks constantly review security measures to offer Internet users as safe an online banking experience as possible.

The icode is expected to contain four main elements:
- A notification/management system for compromised computers
- A standardised information resource for end users
- A comprehensive resource for ISPs to access the latest threat
information
- A reporting mechanism in cases of extreme threat back to national
security agencies to facilitate a national high level view of attack
status.