Crypt + CVMhp = Vmyths.com

by Rob Rosenberger

THE ROOTS OF the Computer Virus Myths home page go back to 1988 when it existed as a text file. Four years ago, it evolved into this hobby-driven website. CVMhp's popularity has grown to the point where it must evolve into a full-time job.

My brother-in-law said it best: "greed is not necessarily always good, but a salary is." I figured if Mozart could find a patron in the king of Austria, then I could find a patron in the form of a corporation. Therefore, I searched for a sole sponsor who recognized CVMhp as an Internet community service.

I found such a sponsor in ScreenSaver.com. (Remember the "Hey Macaroni" screen saver?) I've known CEO Eric Robichaud for a decade now and I sincerely trust him. His firm will take over administration of this site, while I operate full-time as the content editor. I retain full editorial control, of course -- and a guaranteed salary frees me from the worries of ad revenue.

Now let me tell you who can't buy advertising on this website. Its charter bans computer security firms. (Forever.) I meant no offense to them when I made this decision years ago. It eliminated my most lucrative source for income, but I believe an independent website can best dispel virus hysteria.

What changes will CVMhp undergo in the near future? Well, for starters, my new webmaster built a killer site. (Thank goodness!) It'll come online shortly. My email guru knows I need mailing lists. I'll soon launch an audio version of my opinions for the computer talk show hosts who begged for it.

In effect, the folks at ScreenSaver.com will build a new "Vmyths.com" pulpit so security skeptics can preach to a wider audience.

Did I say "skeptics," as in plural? Time to announce my new cohort ... Crypt newsletter editor George C. Smith. Yep, the two most vehement critics in computer security will combine forces. You might think of it as "Crypt + CVMhp = Vmyths.com".

George said it best: our philosophies have been "joined at the hip for years." We both need to revamp home-spun websites and scale down our time-consuming webmaster chores. George also needs to expand beyond an academic webserver he's called home for years. A single professional website should give each of us a wider audience. All Crypt/Kumite URLs will remain operational with HTTP redirection to the correct Vmyths.com page.

(George wants to work slowly on his portion of the move and I don't blame him. Details remain sketchy; I suspect a year may pass before we complete the transition.)

VMYTHS.COM WILL CONTINUE the primary mission -- to dispel virus-related hoaxes & urban legends -- with a new "quick search" feature for virus hoaxes. It will complement the excellent urban legend websites and computer security websites out there. "Random Thoughts" and "Crypt News" will appear in a new "Rantings" section, and you'll probably see a "Guest Column" in the future.

George & I pondered for a long time before making any decisions. Sadly, we both believe the world needs a professional website for security skeptics.

What do I do for a living these days? I fight virus hysteria. Where do I work? In an office building, just down the hall from a dentist and an insurance agent. Want to talk to me? (319) 646-2800. I thank ScreenSaver.com for giving security skeptics the chance to "go pro."

I'll work myself out of a job if my mission succeeds. I don't intend to fail.