Network operators are abuzz everywhere, demanding increased levels of security following the detection of a dangerous new stream of malware designed to attack computer systems at industrial facilities. The "Stuxnet worm," has been raising alarm bells ever since it took over an Iranian nuclear facility in June.
Recent reports have indicated that as many as 220,000 new cases of malware are diagnosed every day. Clearly the problem represents a growing threat.
Security firms are responding to this growing threat seemingly by acquiring or being acquired by one another. For starters Hewlett Packard bought Arcsight and Intel bought McAfee. Symantech has remained independent as have international firms like Sophos in the U.K. But practically all of them are currently negotiating about new partnerships or acquisitions.
Shoring up resources in this manner enables one single company to provide more comprehensive service to their customers. Standing shoulder to shoulder is also in part a response to customers demands that security companies work in cooperation with one another to cast a more uniform blanket of security across the web.
Right now security firms seem very open to working in cooperation with one another so perhaps there is no need for government mandated minimum standards. As I alluded to in my last entry, that's probably a good thing considering the current state of political debate in this country.
Otherwise we might wind up with Tea Party rallies where protesters carry signs that say "Pop-ups ads are Free Enterprize" as they demand that no one infringes upon their right to have their computers infected by spyware.
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