The source code of an older version of "Kaspersky Internet Security" has been circulated on the internet. The code was created in late 2007 and was probably stolen in early 2008. Names contained in the sources indicate that the stolen code was probably a beta version of the 2008 software package – the current release is Kaspersky Internet Security 2011.

According to a Russian language report by CNews (Google translation), the code was copied by a disgruntled ex-employee. The thief has reportedly been trying to sell the code on the black market for some time, and Kaspersky says that the code archive already appeared in various private forums last November. The thief has reportedly already been sentenced to three years imprisonment with a probation period of three years.

Although the stolen code is already several years old, it could still provide a certain amount of inspiration for virus programmers. However, Kaspersky says that users need not worry about their PC security. Kaspersky products reportedly only contain a very small portion of the stolen code, and this code is not part of the protective functions.

(crve)