Viruses: New Threats, New Defenses   Term Paper ID:31846 Click to get this paper

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Paper Abstract: Discusses computer viruses, the three main classes, the types of viruses, and what to do if a computer has a virus. Defines computer viruses and how they work. Paper Introduction: Viruses New Threats New Defenses Abstract The vast majority of individuals who use a computer and the Internetfor personal and or business activities are aware of the potential havocthat can be wrought by computer viruses In addition to standard computerviruses new classes of Internet threats such as worms and Trojan Horses which act like viruses but have distinct differences have emerged Thisreport examines the new threats posed by computer viruses and similarthreats along with the defenses against these viruses that have beendeveloped Text of the Paper: The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper. Department of Energy. The worm tends to release a document that already has theworm macro inside. Forward this warning to everyone you know (Symantec, 2 4, p. Hoaxes are increasingly commonplace. They attach themselves to this part of thedisk and activate when the users attempt to start up from the infecteddisks. The three main classes of viruses are file infectors, system or boot-record infectors, and macro viruses. Anti-spam software is now available for both e-mail servers and forindividual computers. (2 4). Anti-spam software uses a multi-layered approach, with controls to stop spam atthe e-mail gateway, the ability to quarantine messages, and more controlgiven to end-users (Huffer, 2 4). A qualitative review of literature was undertaken to identify the threemain classes of viruses, the specific types of viruses and how they work,the rationale for writing computer viruses, the effects of viruses ondatabases, defenses against viruses, and the likely future of virusdevelopment. (2 4). They are capable of infecting other files when aninfected program is run from a floppy, a hard drive, or from the network.Known file infector viruses include Jerusalem and Cascade (Virus, 2 4). A macro virus perverts a Word feature that allows users to createVisual Basic for Applications (BVA) programs that are saved in a Worddocument and template files. A layered approach to network security allows for the creationof multiple layers of defense around key assets. Typically, e-mail will notinfect a computer unless there is an infected attachment that the useropens. (2 4). Some of thecommon phrases used in these hoaxes are: If you receive an email titled [email virus hoax name here], do not open it! They can in extreme instances destroythe disk's directory table (Bailes, 1998). Indianapolis Business Journal, 25(18), 19-2 .Stone, D. Mobile phone viruses are also proliferating. Just as hackers and virus creators seem to be working overtime todevelop new and even more challenging threats, so are programmers enhancinganti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software. Communications News, 4 (1), 2 -21.Huffer, J. Boot sector viruses were described by Symantec (2 4) as follows: Boot sector viruses infect the system area of a disk--that is, the boot record on floppy disks and hard disks. (2 3). Examples of boot-sector viruses are Form, Michelangelo,and Stone. This report, though relatively brief, has served to highlight themain threats to computer and computing safety and the defenses that arebeing developed to counter those threats. Kuster (2 2)has pointed out that even long-time Internet users can be caught up in avirus hoax. The most malicious variety, called malware,can steal credit card numbers or transform the PC into a zombie under thecomplete control of hackers (Schnitzler, 2 4). Boot sector viruses attach themselves to this part of the disk and activate when the user attempts to start up from the infected disk. Anti-virus software can alsobe set to scan an entire at a time suiting the user. Block any onnecessm 2e protocols . The bestway to get rid of the most common types of spyware is a program calledSpybot Search and Destroy. Othersare not designed to do any damage, but to simply replicate themselves andto make their presence known by inserting text, video, and audio messages.Even benign viruses cause problems by taking up computer memory,potentially causing erratic behavior, and even resulting in system crashes(Symantec, 2 4). Whereasviruses were once transmitted via floppy disk, the Internet has provided amedium by which viruses and other classes of Internet threats aretransmitted from host to host through e-mail, peer-to-peer file sharing, orinstant-messaging applications (Musson & Hukill, 2 4). Encryption for remote access augments hardware router systems andtrusted host implementations can limit management access to the switchesand routers. Macro viruses, according to Stone (2 1), present a risk for anyonewho exchanges Word files or opens Word files that anyone can work on over anetwork. Other types of virusesinclude boot-sector viruses, file infectors, and a variety of other typeswith lethal potential (Bailes, 1998). Simultaneously, the methods of infection and distribution willalso evolve with the increased use of devices such as mobile phones andpersonal data assistants that share information easily because they use thesame basic technology. Software firewalls are an essential element of network protection.McCormick (2 4) noted that the policy chosen for a firewall or fire-calluse is more important than the brand of firewall as long as the firewall issufficiently robust to handle policy rules and traffic load. (2 3). Macro viruses are the most common viruses and tend to do the leastdamage. This virus was announced today by [reputable organization name here]. PC viruses: Safe or sorry? The literature review which serves as the basis of this study revealsthree main classes of viruses (file infectors, system or boot-recordinfectors, and macro viruses) with a variety of individual virus types.The literature also reveals that there are software programs, firewalls,and hardware routers available for defense against these viruses which haveproliferated in recent years as more and more hackers and others intentupon mischief gain the knowledge needed to create new attacks on computerhardware, software, and databases. (2 1). (1999). True spyware has been characterized as a serious security threatbecause it can intercept everything that is done on a computer. For example, Trend Micro released ScanMail for Lotus Notes 1.8to protect Notes databases and mail from Internet and e-mail borne viruses. It is possible, said Musson and Hukill (2 4), that the convergenceof computers and everyday devices means that new types of threats will becreated. Databases ripe for attack. What is the difference between viruses, worms, and Trojans? Blocking individual spammers' addresses can be an exercise infutility given that many businesspeople receive up to 1 spam e-mailsevery day, wasting their time and their company's money. As foregoing sections of thisreport have demonstrated, the variety of viruses and other harmful programsthat can and often do attack a PC has increased significantly in relativelyshort order, leading many developers of anti-virus and other filteringprograms to work overtime. McCormick (2 4) stated that there isno such thing as a set-and-forget firewall because new threats emerge allthe time and the best strategy for protecting a network is to block somespecific port until vendors release patches and they can be applied. These issues are addressed below. Anti-spam software provides the flexibility necessary to stopsophisticated spam attacks. Introduction Computer viruses are program codes that reproduce themselves andcreate undesirable effects. The federal government is struggling to stop spyware andin June 2 4, the U.S. Thisreport examines the new threats posed by computer viruses and similarthreats along with the defenses against these viruses that have beendeveloped in response to their presence. Itholds the line against intruders seeking to probe ports, take over asystem, launch attacks to knock someone offline, crash the computer, mailspam through the machine, and infect the system (McCormick, 2 4). The literature suggests thatfirewalls, though capable of being breached, are the best front-linedefense against all types of intrusion. Jonah (2 4)notes that new virus systems and related intrusions do have the capacity todamage databases, particularly when an infected file makes contact with anuninfected file. Spyware is software that is surreptitiously deposited onto acomputer. The best solution to this problem is regular computermaintenance.Are Computer Viruses Unstoppable? (2 4). With increasing frequency, e-mail is used to carry malwareor malicious software (Jonah, 2 4). Washington Technology, 19(6), 22-23.Musson, B., & Hukill, J. TrojanHorse programs contain malicious code that when triggered can cause loss oreven theft of data. Preventing and curing Word macro viruses. San Diego Business Journal, 25(7), 17-19.Jonah, K. The vast majority of fileviruses are Microsoft Word macro viruses among which file viruses arecommon (Bailes, 1998). Some Trojan Horse programs canerase or corrupt files on a hard drive (Musson & Hukill, 2 4). Spyware a threat to PCs. (2 4). (1998). Anti-virus software is also readily available. Thereafter, while the virus remains in memory, all floppy disks that are not write protected will become infected when the floppy disk is accessed. The more functionality that emerges on mobilephones, the more likely it is that hackers will take advantage of it (Firstmobile virus strikes, 2 4).Why Computer Viruses Are Written Computer viruses and virus hoaxes are written and disseminated forany number of reasons. (2 4). All floppy disks and hard disks (including disks containing only data) contain a small program in the boot record that is run when the computer starts up. Macro viruses affect Microsoft Word applications and typicallyinsert unwanted words or phrases (Virus, 2 4). It contains the [hoax name] virus. Prior ResearchThree Main Classes of Viruses In general, the term virus is used as a general reference to anymalicious code that is not in fact a true computer virus (Symantec, 2 4).A virus must meet two criteria: 1) it must execute itself; and 2) it mustreplicate itself. Block all inbound traffic that is not permitted . Problem Addressed The problem addressed in this study is the identification of newvirus and related threats and new defenses developed against these threats. Basicsoftware firewalls, however, do not work well against Spyware and othermalicious codes already on the PC. M. These viruses are always memory resident in nature and most werewritten for DOS, but all PCs are potential targets of this virus type(Symantec, 2 4). (2 2). Most anti-virus software programs (such as Symantec Norton Anti-Virus2 4) automatically update the signature files by default and check forviruses whenever the computer is switched on. However, moreresearch is needed to determine how such intrusions can be prevented,particularly in light of the growing dependence of business and personalusers on the Internet. It will delete everything on your hard drive and [extreme and improbable danger specified here]. Hoaxes, according to Symantec (2 4), are messages almost al wayssent by e-mail that amount to little more than chain letters. eWeek, April 7, 1.Virus. Malicious maladies multiply. 1). (2 4). Examples of boot sector viruses are Form, Disk Killer, Michelangelo, and Stoned (p. Protecting your computer from invaders. Hardwarerouters, according to Hayes (2 3), play a crucial role in networksecurity. These viruses are always memory resident in nature. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Commerce,Trade, and Consumer Protection approved a bill that would force softwaremakers to notify consumers before installing spyware (Schnitzler, 2 4).However, regulation alone is unlikely to prevent a determined hacker orspyware developer. ReferencesBailes, L. Most were written for DOS, but, all PCs, regardless of the operating system, are potential targets of this type of virus. Network Magazine, September 1, 1.Schnitzler, P. These viruses have the potential tointerfere with the startup process. A computer firewall stands between the system and its attackers. Because of the proliferation of viruses, defined as programs thatreplicate by inserting or attaching themselves to other computer programsor media and therefore disrupting a computer system's functional abilities,programmers and system engineers are actively engaged in developingdefenses against these unwanted intruders (Musson & Hukill, 2 4). Products vary, butare readily and cheaply available with Internet downloads (Getprotected..., 2 4). Worms, for example, are programs that replicatethemselves from one system to another without the use of a host file.Worms are not true viruses which require the spreading of an infected hostfile. This program is available free of charge(Gilmour, 2 4). It works by matchingsuspicious files on the computer against a database of known malicious codecalled signature files. Hardware improvements are also forthcoming assystem and network administrators become more cognizant of potentialthreats (Hayes, 2 3). Users can check out for virus warnings on computer securitybulletins from the U.S. Information Age, August 1 , 1.Get protected: Antivirus software is essential for any computer. PC Magazine, March 6, 1 7+.Symantec. These viruses exploit system andsoftware vulnerability for profit or for other reasons known only to viruscreators.Viruses and Databases Databases are particularly vulnerable to attack since databaseadministrators (DBAs) are often extremely reluctant to install anti-viruspatches that have not been thoroughly tested (Vaas, 2 3). However, recently there have been instances of computers beinginfected without the receiver having opened the attachment. Handheld computers, phones with Internet access andother appliances designed to automatically connect to networks are examplesof potential victims for new viruses. Because of the easewith which these viruses can be created, there are thousands incirculation. Conclusion and Further Research The biggest threat today is malware, software written for maliciouspurposes that includes all of the viruses and other threats discussedabove. File viruses are viruses whose code attaches itself to operatingsystem executables such as COMMAND.COM or WIN.COM. They also use multiple methodsto propagate such as becoming embedded in the HTML files of an infectedserver, infecting visitors to a particular Web site, and even sending e-mails with a worm attached. Consequently,today's so-called blended threats are now able to attack multiple points,spread without human intervention, and exploit vulnerabilities. (2 4). How to secure switches and routers. Most mobile phoneviruses are worms that are capable of infecting smartphones and othermobile devices running the Symbian operating system. Integrating with the AS/4 platform, ScanMail detects and cleans macroviruses from Notes mail, shared databases, and at the Notes replicationphase (ScanMail protects Notes..., 1999). They first spread to other applications andfiles on a computer's hard drive, although the risk to hardware is minimal. In order to accurately track new viruses, thesignature files stored in a computer's anti-virus software needs to beregularly update - weekly or even more frequently (Get protected..., 2 4). Greater investigation of eachtopic covered would be valuable as part of creating a complete primer onthe topic of computer safety. Viruses: New Threats, New Defenses Abstract The vast majority of individuals who use a computer and the Internetfor personal and/or business activities are aware of the potential havocthat can be wrought by computer viruses. For a Trojan Horse to spread, the user must in effectinvite these programs onto the computer by opening an e-mail attachment ordownloading and running an Internet file. Other research into differentsoftware programming systems (and the updating thereof) must be conducted.Further, research into protecting computers against spyware insertion -often at the factory level - must be undertaken; individuals buying suchequipment should not need to worry about such issues. Available at http://service1. Huffer (2 4) stated that some anti-spam softwarerelies exclusively upon so-called white lists of known users. Others reset abrowser to unwanted Web sites. Many new switches androuters come with a rich set of security features designed with security-by-default in mind. New sendersreceive so-called challenge messages to confirm their identities. Despite thefact that each firewall configuration is specific to a company'sinstallation there are some general rules for these systems: . Choice, July, 46.Gilmour, K. Administrators need the ability to manipulatefilters, monitor quarantines, and receive constantly updated rules. (2 4). Thistype of anti-spam software is generally not used for corporate e-mailsystems. Others are working tobuild and upgrade more efficient firewalls for use in business and homesettings (Bailes, 1998). In this context, Musson and Hukill (2 4) stated that today's trendsshow increased numbers of a new type of threat called a blended threat.The difference between traditional viruses and the blended threats that areemerging is that the latter attack multiple points, spread without humanintervention, and exploit vulnerabilities. AsMusson and Hukill (2 4) have stated, Trojan Horses are imposters - filesthat claim to be something desirable, but are, in fact, malicious. 2). Gilmour(2 4) has stated that the explosion of Internet use in general and ofonline business transactions in particular creates opportunities fordetermined hackers to use their talents to develop often highly creativeapproaches to online theft and mischief. All that is required to become infected is to attempt to start up your computer with an infected floppy disk. Boot-sector viruses spread when an infected disk is left in the Adrive and the PC is re-booted. Destroy all span & spyware! Malicious mischief, criminal intent, spying orsnooping, and even sound programming with the intent of identifying systemflaws that is perverted are among the reasons why viruses are created anddisseminated. Block e-mail attachments that may contain an executable function (McCormick, 2 4). There are programs available for preventing attacks or the theft ofdatabases. Macro viruses have costcorporations the most time and money trying to repair. Trojan Horses are programs that are hidden in software thatprogrammers deliberately include without the knowledge of a user. Nursing Homes, 53(3), 36-38.ScanMail protects Notes databases and mail from viruses. As this report has demonstrated, new threats of this type or typesemerge regularly, along with innovative defense systems. According to Bailes (1998), 8 percent of current viruses are MicrosoftWord macro viruses which hide in the document's template of an applicationof a special macro file which, when opened, loads the virus into Word andwill spread to other documents as they are opened. As Hayes (2 3) notes, ensuring that hardware routers areused appropriately is an administrative task. There's no scaling a secure firewall. Nokia and Motorolaboth use this system. Switches and routers, said Hayes (2 3), should be able to withstanddenial of service (DOS) attacks and remain operational during a directattack. Some forms of spyware collect data on Internet surfing habitsthat is then broadcast to marketers around the globe. Internet Magazine, 114, 24-3 .Hayes, J. In addition to standard computerviruses, new classes of Internet threats such as worms and Trojan Horses,which act like viruses but have distinct differences, have emerged. The entire document will travel from computer tocomputer so that the entire document should be considered the worm(Symantec, 2 4). Fighting unwanted spam, one computer user at a time. ASHA Leader, 7(17), 16+.McCormick, J. System or boot-record infectors infect executable code found incertain system areas on a disk. Viruses and virus hoaxes. Specifically, research into development of more effective firewallsfor business and home use must be conducted. Available at http://searchsecurity.techtarget .com/sDefinition/ ,,sid14_gci2133 6, .html. Other forms of protectioninclude high speed alternatives to dial-up modems to prevent remote accessto central information, intrusion detection-protection systems, and newsecured communications links between corporate network databases and users.Defense Against Viruses A number of defenses against viruses have been developed. These devices are al so designed to recover automaticallyafter a system malfunction or break-in without compromising security. The literature reveals that whileprogrammers and engineers develop defenses against each new virus as itoccurs, it is all but impossible to prevent determined programmers and/orhackers from developing new viruses and inserting them into networks. Washington Technology, 18(23), 2 -21.Kuster, J. Some viruses are programmed to damage the computer bydamaging programs, deleting files, or reformatting the hard disk. From there, the code ofthe file virus may infect other applications. Symantec..com/UPPORT/ent-security.nsf/pfdocs/ 1999 12 9131148.Vaas, L. Multiple methods of propagation makecontainment of a blended threat an even greater challenge. File infector viruses attachthemselves to program files, normally infecting executable code such as.com and .exe files. Delete it immediately! The virus propagates via the Bluetooth short-rangeconnection technology, draining the battery by constantly scanning forother devices to infect. Windows Magazine, 9(1), 251-253.First mobile virus strikes. A macro virus automatically copies the virusto other files and these viruses may or may not be destructive (Stone,2 1). While worms generally exist inside of other files such as Word orExcel documents, worms and viruses differ with respect to the ways they usethe host file. Examples include W97M.melissa and WM.NiceDay (Symantec, 2 4;Stone, 2 1).Types of Viruses and How They Work There are any number of virus types within the three main classes ofviruses described above. The consensus among experts is that while all computer viruses thathave been developed can ultimately be stopped, new viruses appear almostbefore pre-existing viruses are eliminated (Schnitzler, 2 4). Spyware, according to Schnitzler (2 4), lurks deep inside of acomputer, with the capability of tracking ever keystroke and even hijackinga system. If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again: Search for: or Click here to request an essay written just for you.

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