Guidelines for Usage

There are two mailing lists. The first list is for discussions, the second list is for sample distribution.

The first and foremost thing to remember about participation in the AVED lists is that they are for use in situations that are judged to be a significant threat to the general public. Please use your judgment. You have been invited to participate because it is believed that you have good capability in assessing or helping others to assess such situations, so that all of us can then make good judgments.

If you are a participant on the s-list, the only samples you should send to the list should be replicated samples (in the case of viruses) or actual samples (in the case of worms or other malware which are not replicable) that are deemed critical for all antivirus companies in the world to get them as quickly as possible, so that computer users everywhere can be protected. As a recipient, you are personally responsible for the care and handling of the malware received.

Inclusion in these lists is by invitation. Participation or removal is governed by a Board. A participant is expected to be able and willing to help others assess a potential crisis. A participant from an antivirus vendor is expected to be able to do that, and to be able to make good judgments as to the crisis potential of a virus or malware issue. To communicate privately with the Board, an  email can be send to board directly.

Feel free to recommend others who you feel would be helpful to this group, be they from your organization or elsewhere. The Board will ask you to describe these persons, their abilities, and their job-related responsibilities, to help the Board in its decision. Requests to be added will only be entertained if received from current members of the list. So, if you are reading this, are not a member, but are interested, talk to the person who gave you this file to read.

Participation on this mailing list is considered to be your personal responsibility, not that of your company or organization. If you find that you are unable to fulfill the mission, please kindly remove yourself. (Feel free to recommend someone more suited as per above. However, there is no guarantee for this new potential invitee that he will be invited to become a participant.)

Removal will be considered if a participant shows an unwillingness or inability to help, or continues to show bad judgment. If someone is removed, an earnest effort will be made to provide representation for the same set of users who are no longer represented on these mailing lists. Hopefully, someone with good judgment and a willingness to help can be found for this task. Lastly, harmonious operation of this mailing list is also a goal. The Board will also act if that is jeopardized.

[Let's face it. A problem at home is always a crisis. And the other person's problem is the other person's problem. But if you're seeing something unusual, ask about it. Give your details. Don't cry wolf. And we hope everyone is self-policing. Remember, your competitors, your clients, and your potential clients are watching.]

Lastly, this is a cooperative technical effort, not to be used for marketing purposes. If you are new to this list, we suggest you introduce yourself, learn from watching, and help where you can. Welcome to this initiative and help us all make the best of it.