A major security concern and dilemma faced by software professionals and affecting computers worldwide with not permanent solution in sight is virus. Much as programmers try to install security devices, they do not seem to help solve the problem. Taking a cue from how ants function in times of external attack has influenced programmers to study their technique of grouping and attacking to come up with a sort of security device.

At present on test at Wake Forest University together with Pacific Northwest National Labs the software of digital ants is being researched to prove its effectiveness. Errin Fulp, Professor of Computer Science based in Wake Forest University is releasing an army of these ants into the power grid to pinpoint and locate the virus.

If this system proves successful, it would help protect all systems connected with Supervisory Control and data Acquisition which is in charge of water management, transport coordination and various other systems.