Software security suffers as upstarts lose access to virus data

Losing access: A security analyst at a cyber security conference in Las Vegas, Nevada last year. Recently, a number of young technology security companies are losing access to the largest collection of industry analysis of computer viruses. — Reuters

SAN FRANCISCO: A number of young technology security companies are losing access to the largest collection of industry analysis of computer viruses, a setback industry experts say will increase exposure to hackers. 

The policy change at the information-sharing pioneer VirusTotal takes aim mainly at a new generation of security companies, some with valuations of US$1bil (RM4bil) or more, that haven't been contributing their analysis. Older companies, some with market valuations much smaller than the upstart rivals, had pressed for the shift.