Are You Taking The Panda Security Challenge?
I was very intrigued to get an email yesterday from a security software vendor announcing a contest daring information security practitioners to find a malware-free network and they'll give you $10,000.
Here's the text of the message:
"I’m writing to give you the heads up on a new contest that Panda Security is sponsoring: find a malware-free network using Panda’s Collective Intelligence technology and they’ll shell out $10,000 to the winner or winner’s charity of choice. As you may or may not know, over 4,000 new strains of malware are wreaking havoc on computer networks around the world on a daily basis which is a staggering figure. The alarming reality is that even the most sophisticated anti-virus (AV) tools are unable to protect vulnerable systems from the disaster and financial ruin that these almost impossible-to-detect malware strains can bring. Beginning today, February 26, and running through May 18, Panda Security is throwing down the gauntlet. In an effort to make companies more aware of the presence and damaging effects of malware, they are openly inviting any organization with networks of at least 150 computers to “Take the Panda Challenge” and test their systems using Malware Radar, Panda’s on-demand audit service for targeted malware infections.This is a pretty bold move; if just 10 companies buck the system, Panda owes $100,000. Despite the potential financial consequences, Panda is willing to put its money where its mouth is – more info is available at www.pandasecurity.com/pandachallenge and from Ryan Sherstobitoff, Panda Security’s Chief Corporate Evangelist."
Interesting!
I would think that most military organizations would be able to win this...
And, let's see...perhaps some of the research organizations?
I wonder if someone from their competing security software vendors could participate...
Any of you taking this challenge? If so, I'd love to hear how it goes!

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Comments
I do not know of anyone here in the UK taking up the challange, but being in the malware business for a while now, I am confident Panda will get the winner's spot. Their new detection mechanisms are very impressive, which will determine things a lot in the contest.
I will be interested to see how it goes.
Posted by: rafal | February 28, 2008 4:52 AM
Thanks for your message, Rafal!
So, are you saying you do not believe there is any network, anywhere, that is free of malware...at least the known malware or malware characteristics, that Panda will be searching for?
Yes, it will be interesting to see the results! Such a contest certainly is a PR boon for them.
Posted by: Rebecca | February 28, 2008 4:08 PM