Computer viruses: a problem of management

Computer viruses present a major threat to the security of computing systems-a threat unlike those experienced previously. In the seven years since viruses became prevalent on business systems their destructive power has received widespread publicity. All computer professionals will be aware of their existence and prudent managers will have investigated the available countermeasures. A body of myth and folklore still surrounds the whole topic of computer viruses and obscures, even from computer professionals, the increasing sophistication of the later viruses. The development of an anti-viral policy presupposes an understanding of the nature of the threat and of the strategic options which are available. The threat is real and the potential damage is substantial. A major virus infection may inflict serious disruption on an organisation; such an outbreak may even put a small company out of business.<>