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5 December 2001

US Government anti-virus advice won't work for all, says Sophos

Sophos, a world leader of corporate anti-virus protection, believes that the US Government's call for anti-virus vendors to issue automatic software updates is out-of-step with users' requirements. Following comments from Richard Clarke, President Bush's cyberspace security adviser - in which Clarke claimed it shouldn't be 'beyond the wit of this industry' to force patches on users - Sophos would like to add that many users have chosen to be in control of their own updating procedures.

"I fear the US Government is making comments without being fully aware of the facts," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos Anti-Virus. "Most anti-virus vendors give their customers the option of automating updates, but some businesses are reticent about outsourcing crucial security measures. For peace of mind, they'd rather implement their own updates to ensure they work properly for their environment."

Sophos does concede that the US Government has a vital role to play in anti-virus protection.

David L. Smith

"The US courts have still to sentence David L. Smith, even though it's more than two years since he pleaded guilty to writing the Melissa worm and causing $80 million worth of damage," continued Cluley. "Sentencing could go a long way to deterring other virus writers - this would be a real boost to businesses operating under the threat of virus infection."

Sophos has published a ten point plan describing safe computing measures companies can take to reduce the virus threat.


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