Brain Virus
- written by Basit and Amjad (Alvi brothers) in 1986 of Lahore, Pakistan
- first malware which is relatively harmless and capable of infecting a DOS-based PC
- embedded their real names and business address in the code
- wrote the virus to protect their medical software from piracy
Malware
- useful tool of bad guys used to steal information
- production and online sale of “kits” that allow relatively unskilled hackers to create and launch malware attacks
- facilitate concerted and widespread attacks on networked computers
- composed of prewritten malicious code for exploiting vulnerabilities along with various tools to customize, deploy, and automate widespread attacks
- selling on the Web from $40 or $50 to about $4000
- even offer online support, subscription services and updated versions
- offering to help install and set up purchased attack kits for a fee
7 reasons to concern
- easier for unsophisticated hackers to launch an attack
- simplicity and effectiveness of the attack kits likes ZeuS designed primarily to steal financial details
- cyber criminals spending money to buy those attack kits believe in a return on investment
- newest and most potent versions of the malware means users will be hit even harder.
- exploits for vulnerabilities that encompass multiple applications and technologies
- can attack multiple platforms
- anti-virus and other types of protection might not recognize them, but many are known
Brain Virus
written by Basit and Amjad (Alvi brothers) in 1986 of Lahore, Pakistan
first malware which is relatively harmless and capable of infecting a DOS-based PC
embedded their real names and business address in the code
wrote the virus to protect their medical software from piracy
Malware
useful tool of bad guys used to steal information
production and online sale of “kits” that allow relatively unskilled hackers to create and launch malware attacks
facilitate concerted and widespread attacks on networked computers
composed of prewritten malicious code for exploiting vulnerabilities along with various tools to customize, deploy, and automate widespread attacks
selling on the Web from $40 or $50 to about $4000
even offer online support, subscription services and updateds versions
offering to help install and set up purchased attack kits for a fee
Six reasons to concern
easier for unsophisticated hackers to launch an attack
Source: http://www.itworld.com/security/133912/pc-virus-turns-25-new-worry-emerges-attack-toolkits
