On Tue, 25 Sep 2001, Andrew B. Lundgren wrote:
> They might try, but it is technically not possible to write a virus for
> *inx based machines.
BTW, your line break is wrong. Email clients should traditionally
break lines from 70-74 chars, so that there is room to reply without
odd quotes.
As for *nix based viri, it is quite possible.
http://www.infoworld.com/articles/hn/xml/01/03/28/010328hnvirlin.xml?0329tham
This is a proof of concept virus that infects both Linux and Windows.
The key about unix that makes it protective is the limitations of user
permissions, so a user cannot infect system files. As for actual
propigation, while it hasn't happened yet, it can. I suspect MacOS
will bring viri to the unix world fairly quickly. All it takes is one
known unpatched local root vulnerability.
> MS, eCS, OS/2 and MACs are all susceptible to virus infections, as well.
<pedantic>
Macintosh is the name of the computer. Shortend, it can be spelled as
"Mac". It is not an acronym, and should NEVER be spelled MAC.
</pedantic>
> MS does not have total dominance in the server market, but they are
> pretty high on the problem report list.
Microsoft, to its credit is somewhat good about releasing patches.
They are not as good as the Linux/BSD vendors, but are better than
Apple or Sun. Most of the problem lies in lazy administrators, who
either don't know (no excuse) or don't take action when a patch is
released. The last 3 IIS worms all utilized the same vulnerability.
The most recent one is using vunerabilities patched at least 3 months
ago in IIS, almost a year in Outlook.
Now, I am not Microsoft lackey. I use FreeBSD for servers, and my
workstation at work is also FreeBSD based. I have a Mac at home. I
refuse to use many MS products on the grounds that they do not meet
my needs. If you use a product (any product, from any company), stay
up to date. That doesn't always mean you have to upgrade, but
periodically check and make sure you have all patches available.
> No more from me on this, as it is NON-LBC...
quite. ditto.
--
Aaron Whiteman -- Thoughts of graduation vaguely apply.
My opinions are mine and do not reflect the views of the University.
'75 B
:wq
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