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From: walker@AEDC-VAX.AF.MIL (William Walker C60223 x4570)
Newsgroups: comp.virus
Subject: Virii on Factory Software & Legal Issues
Message-ID: <0003.9105091351.AA04501@ubu.cert.sei.cmu.edu>
Date: 8 May 91 20:24:00 GMT
Sender: Virus Discussion List <VIRUS-L@LEHIIBM1>
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Approved: krvw@sei.cmu.edu

In an earlier message I had written:
> A. Padgett Peterson (padgett%tccslr.dnet@uvsl.orl.mmc.com) writes:
> > Bring in the lawyers ! We need some civil actions to force manufacturers
> > to take due care (I'm amazed it hasn't happened before).
> It HAS happened before.

In that message, I thought that Mr. Peterson was referring to
infections on factory diskettes not happening before.  However, on
reading further back in the VIRUS-L archives, it would appear that he
is referring to the civil actions not happening before.  I apologize
for the misunderstanding.

I still contend, though, that civil actions are not necessary right
now.  The reason that virii are being distributed on factory diskettes
is most likely the same reason that virii spread in general: the lack
of education or information about virii.  Admittedly, software
publishers should be more aware about the computing environment than
Joe Novice Computer User, but let's face it, it's difficult even for
virus experts to keep up with the new virii, much more for a
non-virus-related hardware company.

On the other hand, once informed about a virus problem with their
product, a vendor must be prompt to correct the problem, or it is
indeed time to bring in the lawyers.

Bill Walker ( WALKER@AEDC-VAX.AF.MIL ) |
OAO Corporation                        |    "I think, therefore I am.
Arnold Engineering Development Center  |       Nah, I think not."
M.S. 120                               |            *POOF*
Arnold Air Force Base, TN 37389-9998   |