Re: [tlug] PLEASE READ--I may have sent you a Virus!

["Stephen J. Turnbull" <stephen@example.com>]

>>>>> "Jim" == Jim Breen <jwb@example.com> writes:

    >>> I think you'll find that this is the case for many of us on
    >>> this list.  However, I do believe that there *are* indeed
    >>> viruses around at least for Linux, maybe also for other forms
    >>> of Unix.

    Jim> So I have heard, but I know of no specific instances.

The first ELF viruses were written in about 1998.

Rick Moen has a discussion at http://www.linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/#virus.

    >>> I do not know how these viruses are transmitted not how they
    >>> infect a box.  The only thing I know is that we should not let
    >>> complacency set in. The "I use Unix, therefore I'm
    >>> invulnerable" mentality is not a Good Thing (TM).

    Jim> Yeah I know, but I never pass up a chance to crow to 'doze
    Jim> users

Well, we're not invulnerable, but a little bit of personal hygiene
goes a long way.  It seems very likely *nix viruses will never be a
threat.

Worms are another matter.  But again, they're easier to keep out in *nix.

-- 
Institute of Policy and Planning Sciences     http://turnbull.sk.tsukuba.ac.jp
University of Tsukuba                    Tennodai 1-1-1 Tsukuba 305-8573 JAPAN
 My nostalgia for Icon makes me forget about any of the bad things.  I don't
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