StopBadware.org, a project sponsored by the Berkman Center for Internet and Society, and Consumer Reports WebWatch announced today the full launch of BadwareBusters.org, a new online community for people looking for help preventing and countering viruses, spyware, and other “badware” on their computers and web sites.
Viruses and spyware accounted for $6.5 billion in damages to U.S.
house holds in 2008, according to Consumer Reports. Until now, the Internet has lacked a central place where people with no prior knowledge about badware and its effects could go to ask questions and get assistance on the topic.
“BadwareBusters.org is part of StopBadware’s strategy to bring together the people, the organizations, and the data that allow us to fight back against the spread of badware,” said Maxim Weinstein, manager of StopBadware.org. “The collective wisdom of the BadwareBusters community will inform not only individuals, but the entire technology industry.”
BadwareBusters.org’s clean interface makes it easy to browse, search, join, and start conversations and to rate other users’ contributions. Several subscription options make it simple to keep up with new content via e-mail or RSS news feeds. A reputation and rating system helps people identify the most useful topics and the most helpful users.
Visit BadwareBusters.