Arthur S. Alexion on 7 Oct 2003 18:23:02 -0000


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Re: [PLUG] Linux vs. Windows Viruses


Paul wrote:

I think a public project should be started to encourage the (attempted) creation of viruses for GNU/Linux. I would expect the response to be increased activity at anti-virus companies and more security-conscious programming. I do get an uneasy feeling knowing that my Linux computers do not have virus scanners. Just as remote security scans test firewalls, it would be nice to be able to truely test Linux's anti-virus capabilities. Even though I've run into dozens of Window$ viruses, I take comfort in knowing that anti-virus utilities for Window$ are effective. (I actual have a blast detecting and cleaning virus infections.)


Jon Nelson wrote:

A very good article on viruses and why they propigate on Windows and never
would on Linux.


http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/188

Jon


I am not too excited about getting antivirus companies involved in Linux. As an avid Palm OS user, I was recenly involved in an online debate regarding Palm OS viruses. there haven't been any "confirmed" real ones. None the less three Antivirus companies marketed Palm OS AV software in the fall of 2000. To market it, they spread a virus scare via press releases talking about a "virus that had been submitted anonymously to their testing labs". According to the press releases, the virus had not been spotted "in the wild". It is widely believed in the Palm OS community that the virus was designed by either Symantec or F-Prot in order to launch this marketing push. Would you want that kind of conduct aimed a Linux?


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Art Alexion
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