Microsoft exec pitches Internet usage tax to pay for cybersecurity programs

http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/84717-microsoft-exec-pitches-internet-usage-tax-to-pay-for-cybersecurity-programs ^

[Gomez]

A top Microsoft executive on Tuesday suggested a broad Internet tax to help defray the costs associated with computer security breaches and vast Internet attacks, according to reports.

Speaking at a security conference in San Francisco, Microsoft Vice President for Trustworthy Computing Scott Charney pitched the Web usage fee as one way to subsidize efforts to combat emerging cyber threats -- a costly venture, he said, but one that had vast community benefits.

"You could say it's a public safety issue and do it with general taxation," Charney noted.

Ultimately, Charney was only offering one suggestion during the RSA security conference; not a precise policy prescription.

But his idea has already riled many in the computer world, some of whom have since charged Microsoft and its historically vulnerable Windows operating system are responsible for countless, worldwide cybersecurity problems.

Still, Charney implored those in his own industry to focus more on "social solutions" to growing Internet security concerns. He described the importance of cybersecurity in terms of national healthcare, noting that computer ailments and hacks, like preventable diseases, travel to and incapacitate other, connected units -- not just the infected user's home computer.

"Just like we do defense in depth in IT, we have to do defense in depth in... response," he later added.

[Gomez]

But his idea has already riled many in the computer world, some of whom have since charged Microsoft and its historically vulnerable Windows operating system are responsible for countless, worldwide cybersecurity problems.

[Gomez]

ping

[OneWingedShark]

Ickh.

[Bryan24]

If Microsoft would write software that wasn’t so easily hacked, we wouldn’t need a tax.

[Fiddlstix]

.....Microsoft and its historically vulnerable Windows operating system are responsible for countless, worldwide cybersecurity problems.

Ain't that the truth!

[freedumb2003]

The creators of Vista and Office 2007, together the most deadly attackers of productivity since the Black Plague, should NOT be asking to give more of ourselves.

They should be grateful the user community lets them live.

[Psycho_Bunny]

“You Pay For The Problems We Create”......should Microsoft be a government?

[paulycy]

Microsoft, whose product causes the problem in the first place, wants this?

I for one won't even consider it until they eliminate the spam that fills the interwebs.

[GeronL]

help defray the costs associated with computer security breaches and vast Internet attacks

The costs to whom? If someone hacks my website does the government give me cash? How exactly would this work?

STOOOOOOOOPPPID idea

[EricT.]

What if you don’t use any of Macrosuck’s products and therefore don’t have anywhere near as many security problems?

[Mr_Moonlight]

Microsoft exec pitches Internet usage tax to pay for cybersecurity programs

How about: NO!

[b cool]

I thought we as consumers took care of that ourselves by having the responsibility to employ security software and diligence in the types of website we visit...?

[max americana]

MS already owns 80% of the world’s computers by OS alone, and now they want MORE?

[paulycy]

I thought we as consumers took care of that ourselves by having the responsibility to employ security software and diligence in the types of website we visit...?

Maybe there should be a personal property security tax to provide firearms to all citizens?

[Sprite518]

Of course the Control Freaks in government love this. Since the majority of people get their news from the Internet instead of listening to the onslaught of lies daily from the media and press. For instance, global warming nonsense. Once again they are trying to control the information. Unbelievable!

[Gomez]

I thought we as consumers took care of that ourselves by having the responsibility to employ security software and diligence in the types of website we visit...?

or avoid Microsoft products and their swiss-cheese security.

[AFreeBird]

Here's an idea. Lets levy a LARGE tax on companies that produce network/computer software with major security holes.

Think that might be enough incentive for them to clean up their code and tighten their security protocols?

[Uncle Miltie]

‘Cause we don’t have enough taxes yet.

[daniel1212]

And once you being a tax on the Internet, it can follow the trajectory of taxes on things such as gasoline. Look for some to link Internet use with AGW.

[Swordmaker]

Microsoft wants ALL internet users to pay for it's short comings... PING!

Mac users should be exempt Ping!

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