A network level virus monitoring system capable of monitoring a flow of
network traffic in any of a number of inspection modes depending upon the
particular needs of a system administrator. The system includes a network
virus sensor self registration module coupled to a network virus/worm
sensor arranged to automatically self register the associated network
virus/worm sensor. The monitoring provides an early warning of a virus
attack thereby facilitating quarantine procedures directed at containing
a virus outbreak. By providing such an early warning, the network virus
monitor reduces the number of computers ultimately affected by the virus
attack resulting in a concomitant reduction in both the cost of repair to
the system and the amount of downtime. In this way, the inventive network
virus monitor provides a great improvement in system uptime and reduction
in system losses.