FBI plans malware-tracking system to alert users

[Venustus]

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2103492/fbi-plans-malware-tracking-system-to-alert-users.html

"The director of the FBI said last week that the agency plans to introduce a malware-analysis system later this year that will let businesses and the public, report newly identified malware attacks, upload malware samples and receive reports on them.

Speaking at the RSA Security Conference in San Francisco, FBI Director James Comey didn’t spend much time discussing this newly proposed interactive malware-analysis system, but he did say it would be derived from something the FBI already uses called “Binary Analysis Characterization and Storage System.” This is an internal malware-analysis tool used by the FBI in its own cybercrime investigations. Comey said the new system for interaction with the public would be called “Malware investigator.” He didn’t go into great detail about how it would work, but said the idea behind it is to treat malware and viruses much like “fingerprints and DNA” that let the FBI identify crime suspects.

“Later this year we’ll roll out Malware Investigator,” said Comey during his keynote address, in which he mainly spoke on the topic of how the FBI wants to expand its interaction with businesses and others in cybercrime matters in order to better fight growing problems such as massive denial-of-service attacks."

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[Nico@FMA]

The FBI should be busy with other things, then bringing out a malware-analysis system.
It seems like a noble idea, but they should leave it up to the industry do deal with that and they should be busy with tracking those who create these malwares.

On a personal level I would not trust the FBI for one bit, they are a flawed bunch of tools.
I rather put my faith in a burglar because then I at least know upfront that I am going to be ******.

That being said the idea is noble and it holds some merit, but honestly.... FBI itself could be considered malware.

 

[Exterminator]

Finally a positive article for a change.A least it is a step in the right direction although I don't see the average Joe submitting anything.It is an avenue for the industry to get additional help with the ever growing malware problem.I am not sure I would trust a burglar before the FBI but I don't think I will be submitting anything to them.

 

[Nico@FMA]

Finally a positive article for a change.A least it is a step in the right direction although I don't see the average Joe submitting anything.It is an avenue for the industry to get additional help with the ever growing malware problem.I am not sure I would trust a burglar before the FBI but I don't think I will be submitting anything to them.

You are correct.
As I said its a noble idea and perhaps the billion dollar industry can benefit from it but as you pointed out john doe will not submit anything.

 

[Venustus]

Finally a positive article for a change.A least it is a step in the right direction although I don't see the average Joe submitting anything.It is an avenue for the industry to get additional help with the ever growing malware problem.I am not sure I would trust a burglar before the FBI but I don't think I will be submitting anything to them.

Indeed, in light of the recent NSA allegations, how could something like this not be taken with a bit of skepticism

 

[Exterminator]

Indeed, in light of the recent NSA allegations, how could something like this not be taken with a bit of skepticism

It is hard not to be a skeptic about it but it seems to me at least they are making an effort and maybe trying to restore some public faith in them again.On the other hand they seemed to fall prey to hacking and Malware themselves so maybe they figure that the public might be more helpful than those they employ.It seems to me that the Security Industry might be the only ones we can really trust so in a way I think reaching out like this might be a way to get someone trustworthy to have a voice however small it might be.

 

[Nico@FMA]

It is hard not to be a skeptic about it but it seems to me at least they are making an effort and maybe trying to restore some public faith in them again.On the other hand they seemed to fall prey to hacking and Malware themselves so maybe they figure that the public might be more helpful than those they employ.It seems to me that the Security Industry might be the only ones we can really trust so in a way I think reaching out like this might be a way to get someone trustworthy to have a voice however small it might be.

Well said, downside is that knowing how the FBI and other agencies work it will be VERY likely that the system is going to be a double edged sword. Because in order to monitor they certainly will do some data collecting.
Obviously this is speculation from my side... But hey its the FBI so nothing to fear right?

 

[Venustus]

It is hard not to be a skeptic about it but it seems to me at least they are making an effort and maybe trying to restore some public faith in them again.On the other hand they seemed to fall prey to hacking and Malware themselves so maybe they figure that the public might be more helpful than those they employ.It seems to me that the Security Industry might be the only ones we can really trust so in a way I think reaching out like this might be a way to get someone trustworthy to have a voice however small it might be.

I agree!
It is a step in the right direction,and you have to at least commend them for the effort