The arguement that few virus writers have access to a 390 to build their
code does not of course quite wash in the Linux world, as gcc is a cross
compiler. Actually lots of Linux worms and trojans already get compiled on
the target machine so that they link to the correct levels of libraries.
That still does not make Linux enormously vulnerable, on any machine, as
you have to get privileged to do any real damage and those holes get closed
pretty quickly.
David
"Wolfe, Gordon W"
<gordon.w.wolfe@b To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
oeing.com> cc:
Sent by: Linux on Subject: Re: Newbie Virus question
390 Port
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]
IST.EDU>
06/02/2003 16:45
Please respond to
Linux on 390 Port
At present there really aren't any significant viruses for mainframe Linux.
Not too many virus hackers have access to a S/390 to build their code and
probably aren't willing to put out the effort to run Linux/390 under
hercules just to hack it. Not to mention few have s/390 expertise. Notice
the fact that there are far fewer Macintosh viruses than Windows viruses
simply because there are fewer Macintosh hackers than Windows hackers.
Your virus concerns should probably focus more on Windows viruses being
uploaded and downloaded from Samba shares on fileservers.to Windows
workstations. This is our major concern. Most NT-type servers have
scanning programs that look over stored files on the servers for viruses.
McAfee has recently announced a virus scanner for S/390 Linux as part of a
larger suite. There are rumors that another major well-known company is
about to release another one. We've been working with Trend Micro to try
to bring their Intel Linux scanner, which we use on our NT and Unix servers
to Linux/390. They're not sure there's a market for it. Contact them and
tell them of your interest.
They say there are three signs of stress in your life. You eat too much
junk food, you drive too fast and you veg out in front of the TV. Who are
they kidding? That sounds like a perfect day to me!
Gordon Wolfe, Ph.D. (425)865-5940
VM & Linux Servers and Storage, The Boeing Company
> ----------
> From: Bill Stermer
> Reply To: Linux on 390 Port
> Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2003 1:42 PM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Newbie Virus question
>
> Hi to all listers,
>
> We are still trying to get our management to buy off on Linux/390 and
commit to a zSeries upgrade along the way. During the round table talks we
were asked about virus protection and cross platform (Linux to VM) damage
possibilities. I have heard about Linux infections before but had not heard
about any mainframe specific virus that could cross platforms. What about
you folks on the list? Any virus mutations that you are aware of which
could be problematic to a newbie?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Bill Stermer
> ACS - City of Anaheim
>
>
