At 8:55 AM +0100 01/17/2006, Are Hansen wrote:
Malware that uses operating system calls is easy to write on Windows,
and most are done this way.
Malware (usually in x86 assembly) that does *not* use OS calls is
harder to write but *oops* will execute equally well on both x86 Macs
and x86 Wintels, *regardless* of which OS is running! IMO, it's only
a matter of time (sooner now than later) before we start seeing this
breed of virus. And of course, there will be intellent (or hybrid)
viruses written, that sniff around to figure out what OS is running
then use OS calls as appropriate.
Yes, the virus could then run on a Mac, IF IT COULD GET INTO IT. But
this is the big difference between X and Windoze; X havent got
mechanisms where unwanted computer code can get executed. Thus the
virus is harmless, just a collection of bytes.
LOL Sorry. I was just reading the "bottom posting" threads... Where
people are bragging that they're using the preview panes in their
mail programs. That's *exactly* the mechanism that emailed viruses
use in Windows to propagate! To "preview" those emails people let
the mail app interpret html and run javascript! One click opens the
email -- the click you need to select and delete the nefarious spam
causes it to execute! booyah!
And look at the latest round of holes in Safari! Us impervious Mac
users boldly go to web sites and load 'em up - executing javascript
and java happily... hum.
We be ripe for the picking. The main thing that has saved us so far
is the processor architecture and we just replaced the folger's
crystals.
It's late and I'm tired, so I don't know if I manage to explain
this comprehensibly. But trying to sum up: nothing can "get into"
your computer unless the computer lets it. Fetches it, to be more
precise.
You did. But I'm saying that basic human factors WILL get those
viral codes onto our machines. Perhaps not as pervasively as on a
Wintel, but it will happen. And now the processor CAN execute
them... That's 90% of the entry fee.
- Dan.
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