Internet Certification
I can’t help but wish there was a qualification or certification required before people were allowed to use the internet (or a computer for that matter). Many would argue that the internet is all about free access to everyone. I don’t agree.
Anyone is allowed to drive a car, provided they can prove they are qualified to do so without likelyhood of endangering other road users. But if you allow yourself to be comprimised online, you are endangering other internet users. Bot networks, keyloggers, identity fraudsters & viruses are all things which are going to adversely affect other people around you.
I think every internet user should be forced to learn and understand how the internet works, as well as the history of how it came to be. I propose testing users on security (firewalls, anti-virus, phishing attacks, spyware, identity theft, avoiding spam), how to conduct yourself online (the forgotten art of netiquette) and general computer repair and maintenance.
It would dramatically increase the SNR on forums, discussion groups and email (much like how the internet used to be, 10 years ago). One only need look in the direction of commenters on Digg, YouTube or almost any online forum for a compelling argument.
It would render most phishing attacks useless, decrease the amount of spam and advertising we encounter, and drastically reduce the spread of spyware, viruses and other malware which spread online.
Unfortunately, the Internet explosion in recent years has meant that if you’re not on it, you’re a nobody. And nobody wants to be a nobody.
Of course, this is all just a fanciful and vaguely satirical diatribe.
Building a new improved internet, only accessible by intelligent and competent users is crazy talk (and makes me sound vaguely like Hitler). But sometimes I can’t help missing the good ol’ days when all the insane and petty arguments, which have no place in the real world, were limited to those people on Usenet arguing over Kirk vs. Picard. And instead of worrying about your parents getting their bank accounts hacked, you worried about getting your 9600 baud modem to dial your ISP using Hayes AT commands.
Time for my cocoa. Someone get my slippers.