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Viruses

Posted on 19 Aug 2002 at 17:37

The tests go some way to explaining why, despite improvements, local anti-virus software can't prevent Net virus epidemics. Current implementation remains random and can't identify the most connected nodes - only the points running proprietary and up-to-date anti-virus software.
The distributed nature of the Internet leads some experts to believe the medical world could learn from network mapping. A map of human relations, they argue, would also be distributed, implying that similar techniques could be used to target promiscuous individuals in the fight against HIV and other STDs, for example.
A nice theory, but in the real world neither individuals nor companies are prepared to reveal records of their interactions. What is certain, however, is that such an approach would be significantly cheaper than traditional methods and explains why so many are advocating anti-virus implementations at the ISP level.

Gene genies
Many believe the reason for the recent success of viruses lies in the reliance on Microsoft applications and operating systems. Lack of diversity has been the curse of many species, where gene pools become smaller and infections thrive on genetic weaknesses. While Microsoft has given us the ability to rely on common, almost monopolistic software, it has given virus writers a massive target.
'We're now in a monoculture,' said Phil Woods, senior support consultant at Sophos. 'Where you have a monoculture in biology, viruses have been more successful. Viruses are targeting Microsoft. The more of your target there is, the more likely you are to prosper.'
Arguments are made that the biggest creatures of another age - the dinosaurs - were driven to extinction by a viral infection. Will the giant of software meet a similar end?