[comp.virus] Tracking Infections

MCMAHON@GRIN1.BITNET (McMahon,Brian D) (12/23/89)

The current flurry of WDEF infection reports has reawakened a long-standing
interest of mine in tracking the propagation of nasties (term intended to
include both virus and Trojan horse).  I know people will occasionally post
messages to this list along the lines of, "If anyone's keeping track of
infection reports...", but this seems to be rather sporadic and haphazard.

Question:  Who is collecting such information, and in what form?  I would
certainly be willing to offer my assistance in the collection effort, but
how much of this wheel has already been invented, and what remains to be
done?

Going one step further, what if we were to formalize the procedure of
reporting, at least for the academic sites, by enlisting "spotters" at
various institutions, who would then file a brief report on any infections
at their location?  Microcomputer coordinators and user-support staffers
would be likely candidates.  This is a suggestion for discussion, so I'd
welcome any feedback, positive or negative.

Brian McMahon  <MCMAHON@GRIN1.BITNET>
Academic Programmer
Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa 50112
(515) 269-4901

Standard disclaimer ... my opinions only. <mumble>