Computer Viruses

History Malicious software – 1970’s Programs distributed over exchange servers speeds spread of viruses Brain sparks term: Virus

Historical Viruses Brain VirDem Lehigh Chameleon – Polymorphic DAME VCL

More History CDs make removal difficult Macro viruses Remote control becomes prevalent Spread via Downloading and file sharing

Virus Types and Descriptors Resident Direct Action Overwrite Boot Sector Macro Directory Encrypted

More Viruses Polymorphic Multipartite File Infector Companion FAT XSSV Sentinel

Even More Viruses Stealth Armored Sparse Infector Fast and Slow Infector Worms Trojan Horses Logic Bombs Hoaxes

Anti-Virus Searches for known viruses Requirements –Bit-level work –Good error handling –Fast, dynamic life cycle Also identifies suspicious behavior Scans incoming and outgoing behavior

Prevention and Aid Techniques –Deletion –Quarantine –Repair Polymorphic viruses make detection via dictionary difficult Suspicious behavior’s advantages Sandboxes and Blueprints

Other Methods Education filtering User knowledge

Spyware Definition Symptoms Methods of infection Results –Phone home –Remote access Zombie attacks

Spyware Rootkit –Sony Prevention –Anti-spyware programs Not always the most effective –Safe internet practices

Survey We surveyed 40 people on the Pace University Campus We asked questions related to demographic information and regarding virus preparedness

Male vs. Female

Preparedness

Conclusion Viruses and Spyware pose an increasing threat Prevention methods do not include software alone Many methods which are common knowledge to those familiar with computers are not common practice