Understanding Computer Viruses

PC Viruses

Resources

Resources

PC Viruses

www.tokyopc.org/ Chit Chat Newsgroup -- Chit Chat Personal Computer Virus Attacks www.vmyths.com/ This site is NOT sponsored by antivirus companies it lists virus hoaxes www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html Heres another hoax site, from Symantec www.symantec.com/avcenter/ Symantec Security Advisory site www.howstuffworks.com/virus.htm How computer viruses work www.cert.org/other_sources/viruses.html Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute, CERT Coordination Center Computer Virus Resources www.virusbtn.com/ Virus Bulletin Independent Anti Virus Advice www.ciac.llnl.gov/ciac/CIACVirusDatabase.html Although the Computer Incident Advisory Capability site (associated with the DOE) is no longer being maintained, it has loads of advice and information about PC and Mac viruses. Also links to other sites that are being maintained. www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0,4161,2248291,00.html ZD Nets tells you how to protect against computer viruses.

What do whitehat hackers do?

Analyze server software for flaws that could be exploited and recommend fixes. Analyze new viruses or malware to characterize what they are doing and to build patches. Audit the overall security of computer systems.

Defenses

Even if you are not whitehat hacker there is a lot you can do to defend your computer against attack Defending against front door attacks means being careful about what programs you run and what attachments and links you open Defending against back door attacks means knowing what services are running on your machine and keeping

Defending against front door attacks

1) Be careful opening email attachments even from friends. 2) Be careful clicking on web links found on less reputable web sites. 3) Beware of free downloads that seem too good to be true. 4) Use a good virus scanner and keep your virus signatures up-to-date. 5) Consider using less popular email readers and web browser software.( Attackers target the most popular software.) There are excellent and free open source options.

Defending against back door attacks

1) Use netstat to see what services are running. 2) Periodically check to see if any new services have been started. 3) Keep your server software patched and up-to-date. 4) Consider shutting down any services you do not need.

PC Viruses

Thank you!