Archive — US — techcrunch
How a Spanish virus brought Google to Málaga
Bernardo Quintero, who founded VirusTotal after confronting a benign virus called Virus Málaga in the 1990s, sought to find its anonymous creator. His quest revealed Antonio Enrique Astorga as the virus's programmer, who passed away before they could meet. This connection underscored Málaga's transformation into a cybersecurity hub due to VirusTotal's success, ultimately attracting Google to establish its European cybersecurity center there.
Key points
- In 1992, Quintero encountered Virus Málaga at university, sparking his interest in cybersecurity.
- He founded VirusTotal, which was acquired by Google in 2012, establishing a cybersecurity center in Málaga.
- Quintero's nostalgic search for the virus's creator led to the discovery of Antonio Astorga, who had passed away.
- Astorga's virus carried an anti-terrorist message, highlighting his programming skills and beliefs.
- The search emphasized Astorga's legacy, influencing his family and future generations in the tech field.
Why it matters
- The story reflects the increasing significance of cybersecurity in the tech industry, aligned with trends such as the rise of AI and increased cybersecurity threats by 2025.
- Málaga's evolution into a tech hub echoes broader patterns of regional tech development seen in global cities such as Tallinn and Bangalore.
- Companies are investing in cybersecurity talent development as seen through initiatives in collaboration with educational institutions.
Quintero's journey highlights how personal and professional paths can intertwine, ultimately shaping an industry's landscape. The legacy of Virus Málaga and its creator serves as a testament to the profound impact that early cybersecurity challenges can have on individuals and the tech community.