Virus Writers Look Ahead: Target 64-bit Windows 205
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."
Interesting. (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Interesting. (Score:5, Interesting)
While software is made to be compatible, and Windows has code written into it to help with compatibility, as well as the processors have extensions. Windows also has code in order to take advantage of the 64 bit processor abilities to their fullest. While there's compatibility options available, most of the code that Windows executes was made for 64bit CPU (I should say most of the *compiled* code... I'm not sure how much of a rewrite was needed for porting, as opposed to compiler changes.)
With new code comes new holes, obviously. And the same can be said for third party softwares- that new code which takes advantage of the processors to its fullest will have some new code (extending through compilation, of course).
I would say, though, it wouldn't surprise me to find out that the programs themselves are really quite incompatible, but the files themselves are written for maximum compatibility. Pop one in an email, and it works on a 32 bit based machine I mean.
As an aside, I wonder if this is an attack on AMD's compatibility, or 64 bit code in general.. I note that the article mentions AMD with specitivity, not Intel.
Re:conspiracy? (Score:2, Interesting)
I have seen several virus warnings in computer mags that go "This virus has currenly not been spotted outside of $ANTIVIRUSCOMPANY's labs".
Well, how did it get in there, if not from the outside? It was made in there.
Wow! Beta Viruses! (Score:2, Interesting)
Actually, this doesn't really make a lot of sense. If the entire point of a virus is to cause widespread destruction, then doesn't it make more sense to write a virus for 32bit computers?
Viruses (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:conspiracy? (Score:3, Interesting)
I agree, forget Joe (L)user (Score:5, Interesting)
Tinfoil hat time: perhaps all the FUD about SP2 problems, users unwilling to update etc. is just being put out by spammers and malware merchants.
I agree there is a problem, especially with people who think they are creative. I'm afraid I was positively delighted when the author Louis de Bernieres lost the first 60 pages of his new novel becaue he had failed to make a backup, and complained that he didn't expect to have to make backups, he wasn't a computer expert (or words to that effect). People need to understand that failure to learn the basics can result in pain and distress.
In unrelated news... (Score:3, Interesting)
Yay! (Score:2, Interesting)
here's the grain of salt (Score:5, Interesting)
It was common knowledge that many of these 'wild' viruses were actually, in fact, written by the support staff themselves in order to collect on the bounty. But Symantec didn't care because this just allowed them to enlarge their virus definition file and show their customers why it was important to subscribe to their update service. From my point of view it was a "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" sort of thing.
This was one of just many things about Symantec which disgusted me so much that after that contract I refused to work with them ever again. I don't know if they still have an update service for their anti-virus software, but it wouldn't surprise me if many of our future 64-bit viruses came directly from employees of Symantec itself.
It's a great business model: release the viruses, then sell the software that combats those viruses. Unethical and illegal, but a solid money-maker for those who don't care about such trivial things.
Max
Lol the general public can't handle OSX (Score:5, Interesting)
The problem with windows isn't that its users are stupid and don't know shit. The problem is that MS has chosen to encourage these computer morons to feel like they know what they are doing and has given them enough rope to hang themselves with.
It makes people feel good and gives helpdesk monkeys around the world fulltime employment.
Remember, virusses, trojans, spyware ARE GOOD for the local economy.
Re:This shows once again (Score:3, Interesting)
Throughout the years, Microsoft has been very lax and carefree about security. Since the 90's, security experts have warned Microsoft about security issues and Microsoft blatantly ignored them. As a result of this negligence, Microsoft had earned a bad reputation.
Then you get into design and you see unnecessary services running, browser integration, ActiveX/COM with unrestricted access to the system, services listening to anything that speaks including WAN traffic, NetBIOS going over TCP/IP over a WAN by default, file and printer sharing binding to all adapters including those that haven't been selected, Microsoft insisting that personal firewalls are the answer to unnecessary Windows services, etc. The list goes on and on.
Had Microsoft been more serious about security in the 90's, it would have been a whole different story.
Re:Interesting. (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:typical (Score:0, Interesting)
No, you can't. So I'm not going to call you flamebait. I'm going to call you a retard since it seems much more appropriate .
Re:Interesting. (Score:2, Interesting)