No problem in anti-malware industry

Eugene Kaspersky:

No problem in anti-malware industry

PanARMENIAN.Net - Kaspersky Lab and Armenian government signed a cooperation agreement, starting with establishment of joint IT academy. Founder and owner of one of the world's major anti-malware company, Mr. Eugene Kaspersky comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on the programs to be implemented.

Mr. Kaspersky, a cooperation agreement was signed during your visit to Armenia, whose government launched IT development programs not long ago. What attracts you in Armenia and what kind of projects are you going to implement here?

Such projects are not unique. They are implemented in other countries and in some regions of Russia as well. We do it to strengthen positions. At the same time, we undertake to improve our products and services.

Cooperation at the state level is exercised in three main directions. It first of all implies provision of government agencies with program packages and services. Then, we are developing educational programs. In Germany and Russia, for example, we collaborate with schools. And finally, we interact with law enforcement.

As to establishment of IT academy, Kaspersky Lab and its Armenian partner - Softline company - offer schools and universities a unique opportunity to improve knowledge level with our learning aids. The students of our academy can study on-line and prepare diploma works under supervision of our specialists.

And who can take part in your training programs?

All government-funded and private universities, human resource training educational centers and qualification raising institutes are eligible for Kasperky Academy program. As regards time-limit, educational institutions can participate in program for 1 academic year. Thereafter, they will need additional registration to extend cooperation. All academic partners are entitled to participate in our special events, such as conferences, contests, anti-virus security days, master-classes etc.

Will program participants have employment opportunities in Kaspersky laboratory after graduation?

Certainly they will. All our educational programs aim to raise computer literacy in spheres of security, and branding events aim to suit market to our brand. Our best students will be surely offered to cooperate with company.

Spam is currently estimated to occupy 80% of global network. What are the methods of combating such phenomenon, and is it possible to finally get rid of that? Is the existence of relevant software considered sufficient?

I am both optimistic and pessimistic about that. I am optimistic because there are relevant technical methods and anti-spam filters which work very effectively, clearing traffic of overload. Today it's very common to speak about the so-called "Green IT". That's the reason our company is praised, and we confirm that those filters and anti-virus products lessening traffic overload are designed by us. As to why I am pessimistic is because legislation in many countries, such as Russia does not currently envisage proper methods for fighting spams.

As regards early detection of viruses, the machine immediately detects and renders harmless the programs containing a virus code with well-known origins. That makes up about 90-95% of viruses. All other viruses not recognized by computer, they be found later, after detection and registration of its virus code.

I don't think the problem of spams has already become so serious and critical. If it posed threat to global network operation, I believe its delivery would be immediately sanctioned.

Is Kaspersky Lab planning to sell its products on alternative data carriers like USB cards, in Armenia?

Most probably, we'll implement such programs, as our sales policy varies from country to country, based on population's purchasing capacity.

At this stage we signed a collaboration agreement with RA Government, as despite the small market and piracy goods prevalence, we're interested in RA market. We want to establish universal presence.

As you said, economic crisis did not affect your company…

The crisis influenced our company to a certain extent. Corporate clients became more careful while purchasing our products. Also, unlicensed software became more popular with consumers because of a slump in payment capacity. As a whole, the company was rapidly growing before the crisis, at present the growth slowed down to a certain extent.

What's your forecast as to he development of antivirus software industry?

Once started, computer crimes will not disappear. In connection with crisis, more services are taken to virtual sphere. At present hackers are capable of infiltrating not only computers but also smart phones, ATMs, gaining significant sums. This is the reason for growing demand in protective software. So even now, in crisis circumstances, antivirus software industry is prospering.

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