Virus Bulletin is seeking submissions from those wishing to present papers at VB2012, the 22nd Virus Bulletin International Conference, which will take place 26-28 September 2012 at the Fairmont Dallas hotel, Dallas, TX, USA.

The conference will include a programme of 30-minute presentations running in two concurrent streams: Technical and Corporate. Submissions are invited on all subjects relevant to anti-malware, anti-spam and other computer security issues.

In particular, VB welcomes the submission of papers that focus on digital forensics, law enforcement and legal aspects of cybercrime, corporate case studies and end-user impact of malware and spam, alongside papers that will provide delegates with ideas, advice and/or practical techniques and papers exploring new technologies. VB encourages presentations that include practical demonstrations of techniques or new technologies.

Suggested topics
The following is a list of topics suggested by the attendees of VB2011. Please note that this list is not exhaustive - the selection committee will consider papers on any subjects relevant to the anti-malware, anti-spam and related security communities.

In-depth malware analysis
Zero-day threats
Rootkits
Mac threats
Mobile threats and security
Windows 8
Non x86
Cross-platform threats
IDS
IPv6
HTML5 risks
VoIP exploits
Clustering and grouping techniques
Network detection of malware
Reputation-based detections
Heuristic detection of polymorphic threats
Behavioural detection
Anti-fraud and scams detection
Automation
Sample sharing
Statistical analysis of samples/features
DLP
Cloud technology
AI in data processing
Convergence of threats
AV evasion tactics and mitigation
Industry cooperation
Industry analysis - growth, drivers, restraints
Product management issues
Useability
Anti-malware tests and QA
Managing the perimeter
Hardware/silicon
Linux malware and supported AV products
Hacking of endpoints without protection (e.g. iPad)
AV in forensic investigations
Independent/semi-academic research projects
Malware in cars, planes, playstations
Future predictions
How to submit a proposal
Please use our online abstract submission form to submit a proposal for VB2012. You will need to include:

- an abstract of approximately 200 words outlining the proposed paper and including five key points that you intend the paper to cover
- full contact details with each submission
- an indication of whether the paper is intended for the technical or corporate stream
- Note: deadline for submissions 9 March 2012. Submissions received later than 9 March 2012 will not be considered.
The abstract submission form can be found here.

Following the close of the call for papers all submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee; authors will be notified of the status of their paper by email.

One presenter per selected paper will be offered a complimentary conference registration, while co-authors will be offered registration at a 50% reduced rate (up to a maximum of two co-authors). VB regrets that it is not able to assist with speakers' travel and accommodation costs.

Authors are advised that, should their paper be selected for the conference programme, they will be expected to provide a full paper that will be included in the VB2012 Conference Proceedings as well as a 30-minute presentation at VB2012 in Dallas. The deadline for submission of the completed papers will be Wednesday 6 June 2012, and potential speakers must be available to present their papers in Dallas between 26 and 28 September 2012.

Any queries relating to the call for papers should be addressed to editor@virusbtn.com.

Last-minute presentations
In addition to the scheduled presentations, a portion of the technical stream will be set aside for 'last-minute' technical presentations, the aim of which is to present up-to-the-minute material.

Proposals for the last-minute presentations need not be submitted until three weeks before the start of the conference - a call for papers will be announced in early August. Presenting a full paper will not preclude an individual from being selected to present a last-minute presentation.

Sponsorship and exhibition
VB has a number of attractive sponsorship opportinuties available for VB2012.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of VB2012 or exhibiting at the event please contact us for more details by emailing conference@virusbtn.com or calling us on +44 1235 555139.