Australian Internet Security Initiative
Westnet, in alliance with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is making the internet more secure through the Australian Internet Security Initiative (AISI).
With a commitment to internet security, Westnet will be one of a few Internet Service Providers (ISP), currently involved in the initiative. This initiative is not only the first of its kind in Australia, but a world first.
With a commitment to internet security, Westnet will be one of a few Internet Service Providers (ISP), currently involved in the initiative. This initiative is not only the first of its kind in Australia, but a world first.
About AISI
The AISI has been designed to address the problems of 'zombie' computers. Zombie computers refer to computers which are virus-infected and are attached to the Australian network to spread spam or commit internet crimes such as abuse of networks or phishing. The initiative will also assist in detecting vulnerable computers such as open relays or proxies.
The AISI will ultimately cleanse the internet from many security problems associated with zombie computers.
The AISI will ultimately cleanse the internet from many security problems associated with zombie computers.
What if I receive an email from Westnet?
As part of our commitment to the Australian Internet Security Initiative, Westnet aims to inform all customers which may have a zombie computer.
If you receive an email from Westnet, do not be alarmed. Just follow the instructions provided and if the problem persists, please contact our Support Team on 1300 786 068. The Support Team will be able to assist you in trouble-shooting.
If the problem cannot be rectified by our Support Team, you may need to visit a computer technician. A list of the nearest Westnet Agents can also be provided.
Under our Terms and Conditions, if a computer is found to be affected or vulnerable you will be given 7 days to cleanse your computer. If the problem has not been rectified during this time, service restrictions to your account may occur. In the case where the problem is quite severe, service restrictions will automatically occur.
If you receive an email from Westnet, do not be alarmed. Just follow the instructions provided and if the problem persists, please contact our Support Team on 1300 786 068. The Support Team will be able to assist you in trouble-shooting.
If the problem cannot be rectified by our Support Team, you may need to visit a computer technician. A list of the nearest Westnet Agents can also be provided.
Under our Terms and Conditions, if a computer is found to be affected or vulnerable you will be given 7 days to cleanse your computer. If the problem has not been rectified during this time, service restrictions to your account may occur. In the case where the problem is quite severe, service restrictions will automatically occur.
Westnet's Terms and Conditions
This initiative is in accordance with Westnet's General Terms and Conditions Section 3: Acceptable Use.
Protection
To assist in securing your computer in the future, there are a number of options available including;
Also for total computer protection, the Norton Internet Security 2005 package provides anti-virus, a personal firewall, anti-spam and parental control software. A 15-day trial to Norton Internet Security 2005 can be downloaded from the Westnet Download Vault.
We suggest that you run a full virus scan (with updated definitions) on all systems connected to your internet account on a regular basis. Anti-Virus software assists in finding and removing any viruses from your computer.
If however you do not currently have access to Anti-Virus software, you may use the following free online virus scanners:
Panda Online Scan
Symantec Online Scan
PcCillin Online Scan
BitDefender
Anti-Spyware will assist in protecting your computer against malicious software (mal-ware). Mal-ware has been designed to exploit infected computers for commercial gain, without the user's consent. This includes theft of personal information or monitoring of web-browser activity for marketing purposes. Mal-ware is a common cause of computer malfunction and users are usually unaware of its installation on their computers.
Installing some form of firewall will also ensure greater internet security. A firewall will basically protect your computer or network when connected to an external network, in particular the internet. This will prevent hackers from accessing private information or resources from your computer.
We also recommend Westnet's Email protection service. Our Email Protection package scans all incoming emails for viruses and spam before they reach your mailbox. This decreases the likelihood of harmful emails infecting your computer. For more information, please visit our Email Protection Page.
- Installing Anti-Virus software
- Installing Anti-Spyware software
- Installing a Firewall
- Subscribe to Westnet Email Protection service
Also for total computer protection, the Norton Internet Security 2005 package provides anti-virus, a personal firewall, anti-spam and parental control software. A 15-day trial to Norton Internet Security 2005 can be downloaded from the Westnet Download Vault.
Anti-Virus
We suggest that you run a full virus scan (with updated definitions) on all systems connected to your internet account on a regular basis. Anti-Virus software assists in finding and removing any viruses from your computer.
If however you do not currently have access to Anti-Virus software, you may use the following free online virus scanners:
Panda Online Scan
Symantec Online Scan
PcCillin Online Scan
BitDefender
Anti-Spyware
Anti-Spyware will assist in protecting your computer against malicious software (mal-ware). Mal-ware has been designed to exploit infected computers for commercial gain, without the user's consent. This includes theft of personal information or monitoring of web-browser activity for marketing purposes. Mal-ware is a common cause of computer malfunction and users are usually unaware of its installation on their computers.
Firewall
Installing some form of firewall will also ensure greater internet security. A firewall will basically protect your computer or network when connected to an external network, in particular the internet. This will prevent hackers from accessing private information or resources from your computer.
Email Protection
We also recommend Westnet's Email protection service. Our Email Protection package scans all incoming emails for viruses and spam before they reach your mailbox. This decreases the likelihood of harmful emails infecting your computer. For more information, please visit our Email Protection Page.
Contact
If you have any concerns or queries regarding this initiative or Westnet's involvement, please do not hesitate to contact our Support team on 1300 786 068 or
.