[Sheflug] Re: linux viruses

[Richard Ibbotson <xxxxx [at] xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

David

> How true is this?, sophos virus scanner runs on linux an seems to
> have records of server linux viruses?

Well,  I suppose that we might try and have a discussion about 
viruses and virus scanners...

I've had a lot to do with the Debian, SuSE and even Red Hat security 
people and there are many arguments out there which can become so 
confusing that even the "experts" begin to get it wrong.  I think we 
are talking about scanning e-mail for viruses on the whole ?  Maybe 
not.

I've heard and seen IT people say that software such as the Linux 
version of the Trend Micro software is a pile of pants ... when it 
probably isn't.  Also, that Amavis might not be very good.  But, who 
do you believe when you get into that kind of arguement ?

I stood next to some of the Sophos people when it was trialled at 
Sheffield University.  The technical people who designed said things 
to me like.... have seen how much this Sophos stuff costs ? They kind 
of made a weak impersonation of disgust at the same time.  I know 
it's used by the civil service and the MOD but even they don't give 
me good reports about it.

Which leads back to something I said to a network administrator at 
Sheffield University back in 1995. ...  which was .. well... as far 
as I can see ... once you've paid for this anti-virus software it 
might not find the virus anyway ..  and I have also noticed more than 
 a few false reports from "reliable" virus scanners.

Thanks


-- 
Richard
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