We're happy to announce that notable malware analyst Dave Nelson joined the Lavasoft team today, November 1, 2007.

Dave, aka Atribune in PC security circles, is well-known for his online work in malware removal and computer help forums, and has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP (Most Valued Professional) for Windows - Security since 2006.

It all started for Dave when he was infected with his first virus back in 1998. After receiving help from another user in an online forum, he then, in turn, began to help out other malware victims on various sites. Dave is the epitome of the "pass it on" theory.

Dave soon found himself taking things a step further by collecting malware, figuring out what it did, and how to remove it. Not only that, but he began developing free malware removal tools, which computer users across the Web still benefit from today. Vundofix, his most well-known tool, has been downloaded nearly four million times.

Most of Daves research work involves heavy behind-the-scenes work, but he's always looking for new infections and pokes his head in on almost every help forum. Daves latest project, Uploadmalware.com, is dedicated to collecting malware and distributing it to anti-virus and anti-spyware companies, with the ultimate goal of improving detection for computer users around the globe. He is also an IRCop for Wyldryde IRC network, the network host of chat channels for over 15 malware removal forums and websites. This includes BleepingComputer.com, GeekstoGo.com, and 247fixes.com, as well as his own site, Atribune.org.

We're excited to have this dedicated malware analyst join our Research team in fighting the spyware battle.