Re: [PLUG] Linux Virus Writing HOWTO

["Kyle R . Burton" <mortis@voicenet.com>]

> >Besides the fact that office applications aren't embedded into the Linux
> >kernel and heavily integrated into just about every corner of your
> >system, the user/security model for *nix makes it harder for viruses to
> >survive. It is generally taught early on Not To Run As Root.
> 
> Is the real reason *nix is relatively spared virus problems practical 
> rather than technical?
> 
> If I wanted to take the trouble of writing mischievous code, I would want 
> my efforts to result in the greatest possible impact.  Since 90% of the 
> computers out there run windows, my first decision would be to write a 
> virus that operates in windows.  Now, if I planned to distribute my virus 
> via eMail, I better pick a ubiquitous eMail program, so I'd pick -- 
> Outlook. And so on.

Personaly, since I'm lazy, I'd choose the easiest.  The easiest way to 
implement the virus - the lowest tech approach possible.  Why write
assembler for a bufer overflow attack for 6 platforms when you can just cut
and paste a block of vb code from the last wildly successful virus into
a delivery system no one is watching for yet?

Due to the curent state of the market, the easiest to exploit system also
happens to match up nicely with the largest installed base of targeted 
systems.



Kyle

> I feel that even my windows computer is safer than most since I don't have 
> Outlook installed.  I've lost count of the times a virus has infected a 
> list to which I subscribe, only to find that nothing happens to my system 
> running either Eudora or Pegasus (with all the Outlook features turned off).
> 
> I suppose Macs are safer for the same reason.
> 
> One of the best cures for paranoia is the realization that you are not a 
> particularly interesting target.  Safety thrives in obscurity.
> 
> Art
> 
> 
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Art Alexion                 """         mailto:arthur@alexion.com
>                            <(©¿©)>
> Arthur S. Alexion LLC       «o»            http://www.alexion.com
>                               v
> 
> 
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