US Patent 7437758 Propagation of viruses through an information technology network

Propagation of viruses in a network having a plurality of hosts is restricted. Network activity of a first host of the plurality is monitored, and a first record established which is at least indicative of identities of hosts within the network contacted by a first host. Contact of the first host to other hosts within the network is limited over the course of a first time interval, so that during the first time interval the first host is unable to contact more than a predetermined number of hosts not in the first record. The method further includes an additional selection process for determining hosts of the plurality the first host is allowed to contact.