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Virus Writers Look Ahead: Target 64-bit Windows

Posted by timothy on from the yes-ma'am-just-testing-your-alarm-system dept.

Ashcrow writes "A new virus, named W64.Shruggle.1318 by Symantec, is being 'tested' on AMD64 machines running 64-bit Windows. While it is not currently a danger to 64-bit Windows users, it does show that virus writers are looking toward the future. The exploitable software in questions is currently unreleased outside of beta. News.com has the full article."

8 of 205 comments (clear)

  1. Beta testing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Where can I sign up for beta testing!?

    1. Re:Beta testing by Riktov · · Score: 5, Funny

      With viruses, beta testing signs up for YOU!

  2. Re:It's a good thing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    Burn them at stake! Lynch'em! Make them watch Liza Minelli!

    Your humanitarian side is showing through. Please make them watch Liza Minelli first, not last.

  3. Phew! by MisterLawyer · · Score: 4, Funny
    While it is not currently a danger to 64-bit Windows users, it does show that virus writers are looking toward the future.

    Phew! I was worried that all those hordes of current 64-bit Windows users would be at danger.

  4. Maybe this is a good thing. by qualico · · Score: 4, Funny

    "The virus supports vectored exception handling to avoid crashing during infections."

    Maybe this is a good thing.
    Those viruses will show developers how to write better code. :->

    Seriously though, vulnerabilities will grow in proportion to the complexity of our systems.

  5. la cosa nostra by polecat_redux · · Score: 4, Funny

    Symantec: The internet is a dangerous place these days - overrun with all sorts of viruses, worms, and malware. But, for only $79, we can see to it that your computer is safe. Without us, who knows what might happen to you...

  6. Sourcecode by MikeDX · · Score: 4, Funny

    I bet the code is something like this:

    while(windows) {
    infect();
    }

  7. Re:To make things easier by mr_z_beeblebrox · · Score: 4, Funny

    Of course, this means distributing the virus in source code form and compiling it on the target computer, but I'm sure users would be more than happy to take that step for you.

    I can hear that conversation now: "I can't run this Anna Kornokova Simulator"
    "Call Bob he is a linux user, he can help you"
    "Hey Bob, I got the Anna K sim and..."
    "You know that will be a virus"
    "No, it's different THIS time. Tell me again the magic words, I am sure it'll be okay"
    "SIGH, dot slash config...MAKE....MAKE INSTALL"