In a move that maybe should have been done years ago Comcast is testing out a new automated service in Denver called Comcast Constant Guard. The idea being that as the IPS they will be able to detect much easier unusual spikes in activities from particular IPs they can warn their customers of possible infections.

The alerts are triggered when computers on their networks are found to be doing activities that are commonly associated with botnet style activity. As well customers will be notified if their IP address is identified as the source of spam on an industry span list.

Customers in Denver are set to begin receiving notifications that their system may be infected with a virus or other malware via a pop-up message in the browser, as part of the new free service, called Comcast Constant Guard. The "Service Notice" will include a link to a Comcast security Web site where customers can follow a set of instructions to remove the malware from their computer.

If customers don’t have antivirus software, they can download McAfee Internet Security Suite for free. Comcast also offers a Comcast Toolbar that includes spyware detection and removal, a pop-up ad blocker, antiphishing software, and antispam protection for e-mail.

The company first started notifying customers about the security issues about a year ago, with support representatives calling customers on the phone, Opperman said.

"We learned that customers love it," he said. "We wanted to reach more people and to automate the process."

Source: cnet News – Comcast pop-ups alert customers to PC infections

The new service will eventually be rolled out to the ret of the country and replace the current practice of contacting the user by phone.

Image: cnet News

Comcast going proactive against PC infections is a post from: The Inquisitr

The other day I wrote about an upcoming free anti-virus program from Microsoft called Morro. It is supposed to be the replacement for their OneCare security package which they are withdrawing from the market. At that time there was scant information other than some out-dated screen shots and some supposition about the how’s and why’s of Morro.

Well today Mary Jo Foley was able to provide a little more pertinent information about the program, including when the public beta will be available but not when the final product would hit the web. Here’s a few of the points that Mary Jo was able to get from Alan Packer the General Manager of Microsoft’s Anti-Malware team

That last part – the Genuine Windows authentication could prove to problematic for the company though according to some. However the idea for me of a native MS anti-virus and anti-malware package that is free is a big bonus and hopefully will encourage at least a modicum of security for those who don’t seem to care.

Updated info on Microsoft’s free anti-virus program – Morro is a post from: The Inquisitr