Defending against viruses and worms

  • Authors:
  • S. A. Kurzban

  • Affiliations:
  • Internatioal Business Corp., Thornwood, NY

  • Venue:
  • ACM SIGUCCS Newsletter
  • Year:
  • 1989

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

"Computer viruses" have received a lot of attention. In fact, the best-known "viruses" have not been viruses at all, but "worms," programs that spread through networks instead of modifying programs. Both viruses and worms reproduce themselves and defensive measures have focused on stopping or slowing their spread. But that is only one type of defense. Preventing or limiting the effect of the harm that their components can cause is another. Still other measures are specific to known viruses. Ultimately, though, there is no defense better than a comprehensive security strategy that embraces user education, crisis-response teams, and technologically sound security measures including, but not limited to, those that relate specifically to the threats posed by viruses and worms.