CTDONATH%SUNRISE.BITNET@VMA.CC.CMU.EDU (09/27/89)
Someone has suggested that "Tiger Teams" use (as one of their tests) viruses. A "controlled" atmosphere is suggested. Like the idea of an anti-virus virus, this usage may run out of control and cause more damage than expected. If the tiger team fails to exterminate ALL copies of the virus (which is very likely in the chaotic user environment), there is the possibility of virus parinoia (i.e. lawsuits), files that grow in size for no good reason (very dangerous when a disk is full or nearly so [programs abend or refuse to run]), and the possibility of lost data thru virus malfunctions. Another problem is the nature of a tiger team using a virus: the virus would be released in a (probably) unsuspecting work area. The presence of strangers insisting on checking every disk that leaves the area (and don't forget the problem of LANs and file transfers) would cause chaos. Remember, a "good" virus used for a "good" purpose would have to be working perfectly. And we all know how programs work perfectly under all conditions all the time :-)