New Virus Attack

[bob3160]

First known 64-bit virus threat found
Security experts say they're seeing the first viruses specifically designed to attack 64-bit software. Symantec has found what it believes to be the first known threat to 64-bit Windows systems, a proof-of-concept virus labeled w64.rugrat.3344. Rugrat can apparently attack 64-bit Microsoft Windows files successfully but won't infect 32-bit files.

Even the big boys aren,t safe any more :'(

[DavidR]

Further info and comment in http://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=4;action=display;threadid=4761

[techie101]

Bob,

Thank you for this bit of interesting news.  Never ceases to amaze me at how hard people try to mess computers instead of using their skills in a more condusive way.

David,

I read the article from Symantec and this was particularly interesting:
Note: A true 64-bit computer is not required for this virus, as it can be run on a 32-bit computer that is using 64-bit simulation software.
So anyone "faking a 64" has to be on guard.

Techie

[bob3160]

Thanks Techie101 for the additional info.
At my age however I don't have to worry about that cause I'm to old to fake anything.

[MikeBCda]

Note: A true 64-bit computer is not required for this virus, as it can be run on a 32-bit computer that is using 64-bit simulation software.
So anyone "faking a 64" has to be on guard.

Slightly off-topic, but a memory triggered by your comments -- am I correct in assuming that back under Win 3.1, WinG was used to, in effect, "fake a 32"?  Thanks for any enlightenment.

[.: Mac :.]

Techie,
  Can this virus run under Virtual PC? VPC "fakes" the windows OS on Mac computers

[techie101]

Mike,

That takes me far back, but I think you are correct.  In the early days of Windows, right before the "official 32" was borne, a 32 bit "simulation" was used very much like the "64 simulation" that we have discussed here.

Nostalga.....I just love it!  

Techie

[radicalb21]

Thanks for the info about this new type of virus reference 64 bit processing.