Three major software companies are putting their rivalry aside for the
sake of security and are joining Microsoft and other
software providers to build a Web repository about virus threats affecting
Microsoft products.
Computer Associates , Sybari Software and Symantec
are joining the Virus Information Alliance (VIA), a
repository launched in May
by Microsoft along with security software companies Trend Micro and Network
Associates.
The mission behind VIA is to “educate and protect Microsoft customers
against the threat of malicious code attacks as well as emerging Internet
threats.”
The new additions to the alliance said they plan to provide valuable
information to the VIA “to more rapidly advise Internet users about virus
targets, impact and methods of remediation.”
The VIA site includes recommended best practices for preventing malicious
attacks, updates about specific viruses, articles and links to other
antivirus resources.
The new members join the alliance on the heels of Microsoft’s purchase in
June of Bucharest, Romania-based GeCAD, a maker of anti-virus detection and
data security software, which Microsoft plans to incorporate into its
Windows operating system and other products.