The Australian Communications and Media Authority has teamed up with five ISPs to track down infected computer "zombies" that are causing havoc on the Internet.

These computers are infected with viruses or trojans, that allow them to be remotely used for large scale attacks on other parts of the Internet. With the popularity of broadband connections, these "zombie armies" wield significant power.

Acting ACMA Chair Lyn Maddock says that there are "millions" of zombies on the Internet and that "global software companies estimate that more than sixty per cent of all global spam is now relayed via zombies".

As part of the trial, ACMA will work with The Australian Computer Emergency Response Team (AusCERT) and other online experts to determine infected PCs. The IP addresses will then be sent to the ISP, who will attempt to get the customer to remove the infections. Disconnection may occur if the computer cannot be cleaned.

The ISPs participating in the trial are Telstra BigPond, OptusNet, Westnet, Pacific Internet and West Australian Networks.

Links:

• ACMA media release  (ACMA, 7 Nov 2005)