Rapid response online in race against viruses

The WebImmune service allows users to submit suspect viruses and malicious code directly to McAfee's AVERT virus centre over the web. The company promises to respond with a fix within 90 seconds if the virus is known - or within six hours if further research is necessary.

The move is part of a race by anti-virus vendors to provide the fastest possible response to virus threats. According to Eric Hemmendinger, senior analyst with the Aberdeen Group, quicker response times from vendors are crucial to helping information solution professionals avoid network downtime.

The service is offered free of charge until 15 December.