The Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) will institute a code to help protect consumers against cyber security risks.

This comes about a year after ISPA announced it would lead the development of iCode – a new voluntary code of practice designed to make it safer for South Africans to work and play online.

Developed in conjunction with Australia’s Internet industry association – which pioneered the approach in 2010 – the code will provide a consistent approach for South African ISPs to help inform, educate and protect customers in relation to cyber security.

SA is the second country in the world to implement network-level protection of vulnerable end-users under the iCode banner. Marc Furman, co-chairman of ISPA, notes the Internet has become an essential part of society and a vital platform for business. “As an industry body, we are constantly working for ways to improve the experience of end-users. We have a duty to help our clients mitigate the risks inherent in using the Internet.”

ISPs that have adopted the iCode will display a trust mark on their Web sites and other communication materials.

Furman says many ISPs already follow several of the practices stipulated in the iCode.

As per the iCode, ISPs will have to undertake prescribed activities related to education, detection, action and reporting of malware.