Microsoft Forms Global Alliance to Combat Internet Threats

Microsoft, in partnership with a group of prominent Internet Service Providers (ISPs), has established the Global Infrastructure Alliance for Internet Safety (GIAIS). This alliance aims to improve the safety of the Internet by disseminating critical information about viruses and worms from Microsoft to its partner ISPs in a faster and more efficient manner. The primary objective is to enable ISPs to respond quickly to emerging threats, thereby enhancing customer confidence and trust in their online experience. By sharing expertise and best practices, the alliance strives to minimize the impact of Internet-borne threats on both consumers and businesses.

Key Takeaways:

• The Global Infrastructure Alliance for Internet Safety (GIAIS) is a collaborative initiative between Microsoft and nine major ISPs, including BT, Cox Communications, and Earthlink.
• The primary goal of GIAIS is to rapidly disseminate virus and worm information from Microsoft to its partner ISPs, enabling them to address problems more quickly.
• The alliance also facilitates the sharing of expertise and experiences among member ISPs in tackling emerging threats.
• Customers often initially approach their ISPs when experiencing issues related to virus and worm infections, which can erode trust in their Internet services.
• By adopting early notice and collaboration, ISPs can improve customer perceptions and build confidence in the security of their services.
• Initially, some ISPs were hesitant to join the alliance, but Microsoft's commitment to addressing security concerns convinced them to participate.
• Microsoft plans to expand the GIAIS to cover more regions of the world, with the ultimate goal of reducing the number of infected computers globally.

Statistics:

• Microsoft estimates that internet threats cost consumers and businesses billions of dollars per year.
• The majority of customers approach their ISPs when experiencing issues related to virus and worm infections, rather than Microsoft directly.
• The GIAIS is designed to facilitate more efficient information sharing between Microsoft and its partner ISPs.
• Participating ISPs aim to improve trust and confidence among their customers by leveraging the alliance.

Sources:

• Microsoft's initiative to form the Global Infrastructure Alliance for Internet Safety (GIAIS)
• Participating ISPs: BT, Cox Communications, Earthlink, MSN, NTT Communications, Shaw Communications, Tiscali S.p.A., Wanadoo, and Xtra.