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Viral Propagation over Computer Networks

Posted by michael on from the vaccinate-me dept.

Wiesel Werkstätte writes "Nature has an article about how scale-free networks spread viruses in a manner different from the typical biological model."

4 comments

  1. Consider the Vector by CyberDawg · · Score: 1

    The article failed to point out the main reason that we'll never see computer viruses stamped out.

    Diseases (computer and biological) propogate through some kind of vector. One way to fight the disease is to control or destroy the vector. You want to prevent the spread of malaria? Wipe out the Anopheles gambiae mosquito.

    The latest rash of computer viruses (worms), including such favorites as Naked Wife and Melissa, spread through ignorance and stupidity (how long will it take people to learn not to open attachments?). I don't expect to see that particular vector controlled or eliminated in the near future.

    1. Re:Consider the Vector by acnolonger · · Score: 1
      The latest rash of computer viruses (worms), including such favorites as Naked Wife and Melissa, spread through ignorance and stupidity (how long will it take people to learn not to open attachments?). I don't expect to see that particular vector controlled or eliminated in the near future.
      Want to eliminate the vector? Simple - eliminate the user!

      No more viral vector

      RIAA/MPAA would be happy too - no more vector to spread pirated copies either!

  2. In other news . . . by micromoog · · Score: 3
    In other news, it is discovered that computer viruses are not the same thing as biological viruses.

    The world is shocked and overwhelmed by this revelation, and people finally can stop worrying about getting a nasty case of "Melissa".

    Please, this isn't news.

    1. Re:In other news . . . by Fatal0E · · Score: 3

      RTFA. If I didn't explain why I'd be flaming you so here goes:

      Anti-Virus "experts" always assumed that they could apply biological models to computer viruses. But Mellissa != Polio. The reason (which they just figured out) is because there's always a computer that isn't protected but is connected to an infected computer, via the internet. I guess it's statistically inevitable.

      The signifcance of it is that those small percentage (less then 1%) Mellissa infections maintain a persistence unlike meatspace viruses, which eventually go away when the numbers are that low. You have to admit that changes the scene a little for AV makers.

      That's really the basic rundown of it but NewsBytes.com has a better write up of it . It seems more geared towards people like us. SecurityPortal reported this about a week ago. But check out the link I posted. Maybe it wont seem so boring.
      "Me Ted"

      --

      BOSTON SUCKS!