On 9 Feb 99, at 22:46, Jacobs, Laurie wrote:

> Just wondered .....
>
> Who writes viruses and why ?
> What's in it for them ?
> Are viruses released covertly by companies that sell antivirus software ?

  Officially, no one knows.  A few viruses have apparently targeted
users of particular programs, so competitors spring to mind, although
one must also think of disgruntled former employees (DFEs).

  Vendors of antivirus software have to understand how viruses work,
and can claim advantage if they can detect viruses that get by their
competitors' products.  But to release such a virus would be extremely
unethical[*] -- gain, though, can't rule out DFEs....


[*] There are arrangements in place for antivirus vendors to share
samples of new strains, so a vendor can claim the marketing advantage
of a temporary lead without releasing a virus into the wild.  They
*could*, but they wouldn't gain anything by it.  Since companies tend
to be mainly motivated by profit, I don't think they'd be likely to do
it.


David G

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