The wireless epidemic

Abstract

As wireless communication technologies spread, so the potential for viruses to exploit them grows. Biological models of virus transmission will assume new relevance for assessing the emerging threat. Computer scientist Jon Kleinberg, best known for his work on web searching that paved the way for Google and the rest, is concerned about the threat posed by computer viruses and worms in our increasingly 'wireless' age. He explains that the evolution of viruses and worms is closely linked with the legitimate workings of computer networks. And he concludes that biological models of virus transmission are increasingly relevant for assessing the emerging threat.