After more than three decades, Bernardo Quintero made the decision to track down the individual who had a profound impact on his life – the mysterious programmer behind a computer virus that had infected his university many years ago.
The virus, known as Virus Málaga, was relatively harmless. However, the challenge of combating it ignited Quintero’s interest in cybersecurity, leading him to establish VirusTotal, a startup that was eventually acquired by Google in 2012. This acquisition brought Google’s primary European cybersecurity center to Málaga, transforming the Spanish city into a thriving tech hub.
All of this was made possible by a small malware program created by an unknown individual. Driven by a mix of nostalgia and gratitude, Quintero embarked on a quest earlier this year to uncover the identity of the programmer. He enlisted the help of Spanish media outlets to spread the word and delved back into the virus’s code in search of clues he may have overlooked in his youth. Eventually, he cracked the mystery and shared the emotional resolution in a viral LinkedIn post.
The story began in 1992 when a young Quintero was tasked by a teacher to develop an antivirus to combat the Virus Málaga outbreak at Málaga’s Polytechnic School. This challenge sparked Quintero’s fascination with computer viruses and cybersecurity, shaping the trajectory of his career.
Quintero’s search was guided by his programming instincts. Earlier this year, he stepped down from his managerial role at Google to focus on experimentation and exploration without the burden of administrative tasks. This mindset led him to scrutinize Virus Málaga’s code, uncovering clues that had eluded him in the past.
Through a series of revelations, including a direct message from a former classmate who witnessed the creation of the virus, Quintero pieced together the puzzle. The final piece came from Antonio Enrique Astorga’s sister, who disclosed that her late brother was the elusive programmer behind Virus Málaga.
Despite Astorga’s untimely passing, Quintero was able to honor his legacy. Astorga’s virus was motivated by a desire to spread an anti-terrorist message and showcase his programming skills. His interest in IT endured, leading him to become a computing teacher whose impact extended beyond the classroom.
Astorga’s son, Sergio, followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in software engineering with a focus on cybersecurity and quantum computing. This connection resonated deeply with Quintero, who sees Sergio as a symbol of the burgeoning talent in Málaga’s tech scene.
The legacy of VirusTotal and individuals like Astorga has not only shaped Málaga’s cybersecurity landscape but also laid the foundation for the Google Safety Engineering Center (GSEC) in the city. Collaborations with the University of Málaga have established the region as a hub for cybersecurity talent, ensuring that the impact of Quintero’s journey continues to inspire future generations.
