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The relatively slow speed and intermittent nature of an old-fashioned dial-up connection means that it takes longer for this type of malicious software to propagate.

Likewise, having remote control (owning) another user's PC is not all that useful if that machine is connected via a regular phone line and modem. Such connections are slow, have changing IP numbers and aren't always online.

No, it's the "always online", broadband connected machines that stand to play the largest role in the rapid spread of such malevolent bits of code.

Does this mean that things are going to get worse as a growing number of people switch from dial-up to broadband?

Yes, chances are it does -- but all is not lost.

Here's an idea for broadband providers -- why not outlaw the use of cheap DSL modems and demand instead that users only use units that have inbuilt firewalling and NAT.

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This won't stop email-based worms/viruses from spreading but, by blocking external probes on the ports that many of these trojans and worms listen to, the ability for such code to "own" a PC is significantly reduced.

Likewise, would it not be a good idea to control the use of port 25 (SMTP) on broadband (or indeed all) Net connections such that attempts to make connections outside the providers network are blocked?

This would surely ankle-tap many of the worms/viruses that have their own built-in mailservers and, when a user had legitimate call to actually use remote SMTP servers directly, the provider could allow such exceptions on a user-by-user basis.

This move would also make it much harder for spammers to use "owned" machines as spam relays -- further helping to make the Net a nicer place for everyone.

Yesterday I suggested that we need two Internets -- but perhaps we don't really.

Perhaps we simply need "Internet Lite" for the dullards, with all ports other than HTTP, SMTP and POP3 blocked. SMTP would also (as mentioned above) be limited to the providers own Network.

Machines running on such a "lite" version of the Net would pose a reduced risk to other Net users.

Anyone wanting a "full" Net connection would have to demonstrate that they're worthy of such unbridled power -- thus keeping the dullards where they belong.

Anderton Says "Don't Email Me Again"
I have written a total of a massive three or four emails to Jim Anderton in the past 12 months, all in respect to my problems with the IRD, the overseas investment deal, etc.

In the last email I wrote just yesterday, I asked Jim to explain how the IRD was allowed to break the tax laws in order to take the action they did and whether he was prepared to stand behind his claim that he'd "subsidise the devil incarnate" if it meant overseas investment.

Like a true politician, Jim didn't even try to answer the "hard" questions, but instead told me to talk to the Official Assignee -- adding: "There is therefore little to be gained by your writing to me further with respect to this matter."

Note that I included a copy of one of the many emails I've received from overseas companies wanting to recruit my services in the areas of pulsejet engine design and UAV/RPV development so he could see the importance of addressing my questions.

It would appear that Jim isn't really interested in fostering new business opportunities or the genesis of new hi-tech industries in NZ after all.

I hope everyone will remember this come election time, when Jim will doubtless be crowing about his prowess as the Minister for Economic Development and how he's worthy of re-election. Sorry Jim, I don't think so.

If any Aardvark readers want to share an opinion on today's column or add something, you're invited to chip in and have your say in The Aardvark Forums or, if you prefer, you can contact me directly.

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