Patent ID: 7296293
Filing Date: 2007-11-13
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for assessing computer security vulnerabilities, the method comprising: a benevolent worm attempting to copy itself to a computer, in order to assess potential security vulnerabilities of the computer; the benevolent worm attempting to copy itself to an additional computer, in order to assess potential security vulnerabilities of the additional computer; the benevolent worm communicating information concerning at least one security vulnerability of the computer to a benevolent worm controller; the benevolent worm determining that it has not received a communication from the benevolent worm controller for a length of time; the benevolent worm sending a signal to the benevolent worm controller responsive to the determination; and the benevolent worm terminating itself, responsive to not receiving an acknowledgement from the benevolent worm controller.