Plan to Reduce Internet Botnets Launched

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than one in ten U.S. computers are infected by difficult-to-detect "bots" or "zombies," which "botmasters" can use for anything from sending spam, to eavesdropping on network traffic, to stealing user passwords.

The Online Trust Alliance (OTA) joined a unanimous vote at the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) meeting today, approving the voluntary U.S. Anti-Bot Code of Conduct for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), also known as the ABCs for ISPs.  As a member of the CSRIC appointed by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, the OTA has been working with the FCC and leading ISPs to develop this voluntary Code.  Under the Chairman's leadership, this example of private and public sector collaboration is an important step forward to help protect our nation's critical infrastructure and consumer data.

"Today is an example of the importance of self-regulatory efforts to help improve the safety and performance of the internet," said Craig Spiezle, executive director and president, Online Trust Alliance. "Sustainable solutions to contain bots must include all stakeholders in efforts to detect, prevent, and remediate these threats."

Chairman Genachowski said, "The recommendations approved today identify smart, practical, voluntary solutions that will materially improve the cyber security of commercial networks and bolster the broader endeavors of our federal partners."

The development of the ABCs for ISPs was a multi-stakeholder effort over the past 12 months, with the participation of ISPs, trade associations and companies, including OTA members PayPal, Microsoft, Symantec, and Internet Identity, and leading ISPs, including Comcast and CenturyLink.  Focusing on residential users, the Code includes five areas of focus for ISPs:  education, detection, notification, remediation, and collaboration.

Based on OTA analysis and initial ISP self-reporting, approximately 29 percent (or 23 million) of the 81 million U.S. households who have broadband service are realizing added protection from ISPs who have adopted the Anti-Bot Code of Conduct.  The CSRIC report cites research that ISPs also benefited – from reduced upstream traffic, spam, and helpdesk calls – when they took a proactive approach to bot remediation.

Future OTA reports will track adoption, highlighting those ISPs who have asserted their implementation of the Code.  As independent organizations committed to enhancing online trust and confidence, ISPs are encouraged to report to OTA.  Future reports will include the adoption of similar efforts by other stakeholders and industry segments. Additional information and the link to the Code are posted at https://otalliance.org/botnets.html.

"The ABCs for ISPs is a significant step forward and we applaud those ISPs who have already stepped up to the plate," said Neal O'Farrell, executive director, Identity Theft Council.  "We have a shared responsibility to help protect consumers from abuse and identity theft.  Consumers should encourage their ISPs and telecommunications carriers to adopt these and other best practices."  

Voluntary Code of Conduct Participation Requirements
To participate in this Code, an ISP is required to engage in at least one activity (i.e., take meaningful action) in each of the following general areas:

• Education - an activity intended to help increase end-user education and awareness of botnet issues and how to help prevent bot infections;
• Detection - an activity intended to identify botnet activity in the ISP's network, obtain information on botnet activity in the ISP's network, or enable end-users to self-determine potential bot infections on their end-user devices;
• Notification - an activity intended to notify customers of suspected bot infections or enable customers to determine if they may be infected by a bot;
• Remediation - an activity intended to provide information to end-users about how they can remediate bot infections, or to assist end-users in remediating bot infections;
• Collaboration - an activity to share with other ISPs feedback and experience learned from the participating ISP's Code activities.

About The Online Trust Alliance (OTA) https://otalliance.org
OTA's mission is to develop and advocate best practices, public policy and self-regulation to mitigate emerging privacy, identity and security threats to online services, brands, government, organizations and consumers.  By enhancing online trust and confidence, we can realize the potential of the internet; promote innovation; and further the vitality of commerce.

SOURCE The Online Trust Alliance (OTA)