Virus Writers Look Ahead: Target 64-bit Windows

Ashcrow writes "A new virus, named W64.Shruggle.1318 by Symantec, is being 'tested' on AMD64 machines running 64-bit Windows. While it is not currently a danger to 64-bit Windows users, it does show that virus writers are looking toward the future. The exploitable software in questions is currently unreleased outside of beta. News.com has the full article."

well thats great

[twenty-exty-six]

It sucks to be Microsoft knowing you are the #1 target for these people. I wish they didn't make it so easy...

Beta testing

[Anonymous Coward]

Where can I sign up for beta testing!?

I always suspected

[aussie_a]

but now I know. It IS those damn virus protectors making the viruses. I always said if there weren't any viruses the virus protectors would be out of business and they wouldn't allow it. This is the proof.

This just in...

[AnimeFreak]

...a virus has been created for the 68000! Virus writers are thinking in the past! It's called W32@Lame.

Re:It makes me wonder....

[Anonymous Coward]

what?

1. You're an idiot.
2. It's Viruses, not Virii.
3. You're an idiot.

Re:It's a good thing

[Anonymous Coward]

Burn them at stake! Lynch'em! Make them watch Liza Minelli!

Your humanitarian side is showing through. Please make them watch Liza Minelli first, not last.

Phew!

[MisterLawyer]

While it is not currently a danger to 64-bit Windows users, it does show that virus writers are looking toward the future.

Phew! I was worried that all those hordes of current 64-bit Windows users would be at danger.

Re:I always suspected

[Joff_NZ]

well, I, for one read the first part of the summary, as A new virus named W64.Shruggle.1318, by Symantec

Maybe this is a good thing.

[qualico]

"The virus supports vectored exception handling to avoid crashing during infections."

Maybe this is a good thing.
Those viruses will show developers how to write better code. :->

Seriously though, vulnerabilities will grow in proportion to the complexity of our systems.

Re:so what?

[Amiga Lover]

A new virus, named W64.Shruggle.1318 by Symantec, is being 'tested' on AMD64 machines running 64-bit Windows. While it is not currently a danger to 64-bit Windows users, it does show that virus writers are looking toward the future. The exploitable software in questions is currently unreleased outside of beta

So... not only did SP2 suffer delay upon delay until its release, we now have to put up with the same delays for our windows viruses?

Beta tester not need to apply

[freitasm]

This mal"ware" will probably have a better beta test cycle than most of the soft"ware" released these days. It'll be idiot proof, so anyone can get infected...

- No need to call us, we'll infect you.

Re:Beta testing

[Johnny O]

Just install windoze - nuff said...

la cosa nostra

[polecat_redux]

Symantec: The internet is a dangerous place these days - overrun with all sorts of viruses, worms, and malware. But, for only $79, we can see to it that your computer is safe. Without us, who knows what might happen to you...

Re:This shows once again

[richie2000]

yup - how LONG has 64 bit systems been around?

Well, apparently 20 minutes [slashdot.org] is all it takes.

(Yes, I noticed the pun and for the record it did make me smile. Come back when you've defined a LONGBOOLEAN in Modula-2 and we'll talk. :-)

I believe you mean...

[Anonymous Coward]

just to make sure that they don't loose any marketshare

Upon whom will they loose market share? Or did you mean that they will lose market share?

You, sir, have been served.

Regards,
Anonymous Coward, Esq.

Re:Phew!

[mkosmul]

While it is not currently a danger to 64-bit Windows users, it does show that virus writers are looking toward the future.
Maybe the virus is also a beta, so it still lacks some functionality the retail version is going to have.

Re:Beta testing

[Riktov]

With viruses, beta testing signs up for YOU!

Sourcecode

[MikeDX]

I bet the code is something like this:

while(windows) {
infect();
}

Re:It's a good thing

[Anonymous Coward]

127.0.0.1

Re:It makes me wonder....

[mr_z_beeblebrox]

64 bit virii are more dangerous

Don't forget that they can access your computer over the power line and get through the tin foil on your windows. Yep.

To make things easier

[Throtex]

I'm going to write a library that I can port around to different operating systems and have all users install. Then the virus makers can just write against that library and have their viruses run against all platforms. Of course, this means distributing the virus in source code form and compiling it on the target computer, but I'm sure users would be more than happy to take that step for you. ;)

Re:To make things easier

[mr_z_beeblebrox]

Of course, this means distributing the virus in source code form and compiling it on the target computer, but I'm sure users would be more than happy to take that step for you.

I can hear that conversation now: "I can't run this Anna Kornokova Simulator"
"Call Bob he is a linux user, he can help you"
"Hey Bob, I got the Anna K sim and..."
"You know that will be a virus"
"No, it's different THIS time. Tell me again the magic words, I am sure it'll be okay"
"SIGH, dot slash config...MAKE....MAKE INSTALL"