Linux Developers Gain More Antivirus Options

Utility software provider Network Associates (Nasdaq: NETA) today announced that a version of its antivirus software development toolkit is now available to developers using the Linux operating system.

McAfee’s Virus Interface for Protective Early Response (VIPER) for Linux enables third party developers and service providers to embed the company’s antivirus engine into Linux-based e-business applications, Internet appliances and managed service offerings.

The VIPER for Linux toolkit features includes support for HTTP, FTP and SMTP protocol scanning, on-the-fly file decompression, macro virus support and heuristic analysis, automatic updates and support from McAfee’s Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team (AVERT).

Network Associates made its first moves into the market for Linux-based solutions in 1996 with the release of WebShield for Linux. The company’s McAfee VirusScan products today support numerous operating system platforms, including Linux, Windows 3.x, Windows 9x, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Novell Netware, Sun Solaris, HP-UX, IBM AIX, SCO OpenServer and the Mac OS.

Linux Security Grows

The company points to a study by research firm Computer Economics indicating that in the first half of 1999, virus outbreaks caused e-businesses and end-users more than $7.6 billion in damage, as incentive for e-commerce operations to take security threats seriously.

As Linux is more widely embraced by firms engaged in e-commerce, the security issue will become more significant, according to some experts.

Y2K Advice

Network Associates recently posted anti-virus and online security tips for consumers and corporations for the online holiday season at its Y2K Resource Center.

“With the number of new viruses we are seeing, December and the new year are measuring up to be a major time for virus and security issues,” commented commented Sal Viveros, group manager for McAfee Total Virus Defense at Network Associates.

“Network Associates is taking every precaution to protect both customers and consumers, as online shopping and digital Christmas cards will be at an all-time high this season.”

Surfers are advised to be wary of email attachments, turn on macro virus protection, be cautious with free downloads, guard personal and financial information and protect online transactions by using a secure Web browser. It also recommended that parents tell their children about these tips, highlighting the fact that they shouldn’t give out personal information online.