London-based MBA Computer Group Plc has a new tool called Microguard to detect computer viruses in MS-DOS systems once they become active. It warns the user whenever a program attempts to load itself permanently in the memory or to replicate itself. The software and hardware card which fits into a standard 8-bit slot, also provides three levels of security to prevent tampering and unauthorised access. The first level is hardware-controlled, and requires a password before it will load the operating system. The second level password controls the execution of programs, and the third password allows access to programs and data. Extra passwords may be set if users wish to designate programs for high security access only. Microguard can also restrict the use of certain MS-DOS functions by locking the keyboard, blanking out data on the screen, or controlling access to ports and printers. MBA, which recently re-registered as a public limited company and amalgamated MBA Computers with MBA Cables, bought the rights to Microguard from a software house that it won’t identify. The product costs UKP200 and will work on MS-DOS machines up to the PS/30. MBA plans to release an OS/2 version within the next four months, followed by a Micro Channel version by the end of the year.
