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Consumer Reports Creates Viruses to Test Software

Maximum Prophet writes to mention an MSNBC article about a Consumer Reports plan to test anti-virus software by creating viruses. Security companies are objecting, on the grounds that it's a generally accepted practice not to create viruses for any reason. From the article: "Consumer Reports didn't create thousands of new viruses from scratch. Rather, it took a handful of existing viruses and created hundreds of slight variants, changing the malicious programs just enough to evade detection by an antivirus program with a list of known threats. That's a common trick in the virus writing world; it's standard for a successful virus to inspire dozens of variants. "

2 of 241 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Hey, if it's good for AV products... by rbochan · · Score: 1, Troll

    Thanks creating useless strawman arguements.
    Thanks bunches.

    --
    ...Rob
    The American Dream isn't an SUV and a house in the suburbs; it's Don't Tread On Me.
  2. Re:Of course they are... by megaditto · · Score: 1, Troll

    I guess it resonates with the kooks that believe that one line runs our country today.

    --
    Obama likes poor people so much, he wants to make more of them.