From Virus to Victory: The Spanish Connection that Brought Google to Málaga

The Search for the Mystery Programmer Behind Virus Málaga

After 33 years, Bernardo Quintero embarked on a quest to find the anonymous programmer who created a computer virus that changed his life during his time at university.

The virus, known as Virus Málaga, may have been harmless, but it ignited Quintero’s passion for cybersecurity, leading to the creation of VirusTotal, a startup later acquired by Google. This acquisition brought Google’s European cybersecurity center to Málaga, transforming the city into a tech hub.

Driven by nostalgia and gratitude, Quintero launched his search earlier this year. With the help of Spanish media outlets and his own coding skills, he eventually unraveled the mystery and shared the bittersweet resolution on LinkedIn.

The Origins of Virus Málaga

The story dates back to 1992 when Quintero, prompted by a teacher, created an antivirus to combat Virus Málaga, which had infected computers at Málaga’s Polytechnic School. This challenge sparked his interest in cybersecurity, shaping his career path.

Quintero’s search for the virus creator was aided by his programmer instincts. Stepping back from managerial duties at Google, he delved into the virus’s code, eventually uncovering a clue that led him to a former classmate named Antonio Enrique Astorga.

A Bittersweet Discovery

Despite Astorga’s passing, Quintero learned of his legacy as a pioneer of cybersecurity in Málaga. Astorga’s virus was not malicious; it aimed to spread an anti-terrorist message and showcase his programming skills. His son, Sergio, following in his footsteps, is now a software engineering graduate with an interest in cybersecurity and quantum computing.

Quintero sees Sergio as a symbol of the talent emerging in Málaga today, a direct result of VirusTotal’s impact on the city’s cybersecurity landscape.

Continuing the Legacy

Astorga’s influence extends beyond his students; his memory lives on in the IT classroom named after him at the secondary school where he once taught. Quintero finds closure in seeing new generations build upon Astorga’s legacy and contribute to Málaga’s growing reputation as a cybersecurity talent hub.

The intertwining paths of Quintero and the Astorga family highlight the transformative power of a chance encounter with a computer virus, ultimately leading to a positive impact on Málaga’s tech ecosystem.