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Virus Resources
The oldest and most familiar bad boy of the computer world - the virus. Seems no sooner than computers burst upon the world scene, there too was the virus; like good and evil, cops and robbers, the fight was on. Perhaps it would have been only a sqirmish, but as computers assumed their position as the cornerstone of business transaction the stakes were raised, and the computer security industry was born.
So here we are these many years later and the fight rages on, meanwhile the virus has evolved and morphed as have the techniques for defense. Once the concern of the technical elite, computer security in now a concern of, well, everyone. The basics are easily grasped and adequately presented all over the internet, so I will here provide a simple definition of "Virus" and introduce to you some educational resources which were obviously put together with some diligence. In particular be sure to see Professor Tiberious Medioxumate.
For tools/utilities to address today's threats including viruses, trojans, spyware, rootkits, keyloggers and more, see here. Good luck and good computing.
Virus - Basics
Virus - a program that intentionally attempts to harm its computer host and which is also capable of reproducing itself and hence infecting additional computers
Trend Micro - nice video presentation covering various types of malware from the good Professor Tiberious Medioxumate
Get Web Wise - Basic Anti-Virus Information
Surf the Internet Safely
Microsoft - Security at Home, about viruses and worms, includes a video presentation
Virus Glossary - McAfee Glossary of Virus terms, includes some advanced terminology as well
EICAR Test File
EICAR - Standard Anti-Virus Test File
Test File Info - info from EICAR on the Anti-Virus Test File, includes a download source
Virus Database and Alerts
Microsoft - Microsoft TechNet virus alerts links to helpful security information and tools
Wildlist - cooperative listing of viruses in the wild by virus information professionals worldwide
Virus Encyclopedia - solid info on malware, environment, source, history, symptoms
McAfee - recent threats, interesting virus map allows display of virus concentrations by time frame, handy tools
Trend Micro - virus encyclopedia
Symantec Security Response
Prevx Specific Vendors List - research companies who have installed files on your computer
CA Virus Encyclopedia - Computer Associates Searchable Encyclopedia on Hoaxes, Viruses, Trojans, Worms, etc.
Secunia - vulnerabilities searchable by specific product - database of 4000 products
Secunia - last 10 virus alerts
Secunia - lastest virus information
Authentium - ThreatMatrix
Avira - malware database
Calender of Updates
Hoaxes
Vmyths - certainly Internet risks exist, but recognize that not every rumored risk is real. This site covers the many myths, hoaxes, and urban legends. Also provides some tips on separating fact from fiction.
Sophos - info on hoaxes, database searchable by hoax name and type
Symantec - hoax page
Snopes - urban legend reference page on computer and the Internet, identifies real and hoax virus warnings. Also check the more general page covering topics of interest and the What's New section for the latest.
McAfee Hoax Page