LinuxSA Mailing list archives

  From: Anthony Rumble <smilie@emusys.com.au>
  To  : David Newall <davidn@rebel.net.au>
  Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 13:18:14 +1000 (EST)

Re: Viruses

On Mon, 29 Mar 1999, David Newall wrote:

> > Generally a virus can't hide, you can always see it in the process table.
> 
> Windows viruses show up in the task list.  They show as things like
> "Adobe Illustrator", and "Microsoft Word".  A Unix virus would show
> as things like, "ps", and "sh", and "grep".  If you are unsure,
> just think exactly what it is that a virus does and you'll say,
> "D'oh".

It's a matter of semantics..

You have to agree that it's far more difficult for a virus to get anywhere
under linux..

The only "reported" virus for linux was really a trojan horse..

It would be very difficult to be a "Virus", where it intercepts system
file calls and attaches itself to all files touches..

I spose if theres a will, theres always a way.. 

However, most virus's rely on the fact that things are in certain places,
especially when it comes to binaries and such, which typically is
different between systems.

---
Anthony Rumble
EMUSYS Unix Consulting www.emusys.com.au Phone: 0500 500 EMU
Direct 02-9798-7604 Mobile 0412-955-042  Fax 02 9798 2854

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