Networks Associates Technology, Inc.

Mcafee, Inc.

Christopher Scott Bolin

Jeffrey Green

Anton Christian Rothwell

Robert Hugh Smithson

Andrew Arlin Woodruff

Mark David Harris

David Emm

A computer virus outbreak is detected by comparing one or more measurement parameters determined over a measurement period against a threshold level. The measurement parameters can include a measurement of how many E-mail messages are sent having an identical file attachment, file type or simply in total. The threshold levels may be varied with the time of day and day of week as well as the tests applied.

Computer virus detection

When a computer virus outbreak is detected, a predefined sequence of steps are automatically or manually followed using rule definitions, that may include office hours, to invoke anti-virus counter-measures. The counter-measures can include reducing virus notification, increasing scanning options, blocking E-mail attachments, hiding E-mail address books and the like. The predetermined sequence of actions may be varied with the time of day and day of week.

Response to a computer virus outbreak

A computer program for checking user configurable security settings operates as either an on-demand application or a memory resident application. The security checking program may enforce the recommended settings or may generate a report to the user as to where the recommended settings are not in place.

Testing a computer system

Growing community of inventors

Buckland, United Kingdom

Christopher Scott Bolin