First known 64-bit virus threat found
Security experts say they’re seeing the first viruses specifically designed to attack 64-bit software. Symantec has found what it believes to be the first known threat to 64-bit Windows systems, a proof-of-concept virus labeled w64.rugrat.3344. Rugrat can apparently attack 64-bit Microsoft Windows files successfully but won’t infect 32-bit files.
Thank you for this bit of interesting news. Never ceases to amaze me at how hard people try to mess computers instead of using their skills in a more condusive way.
David,
I read the article from Symantec and this was particularly interesting: Note: A true 64-bit computer is not required for this virus, as it can be run on a 32-bit computer that is using 64-bit simulation software.
So anyone “faking a 64” has to be on guard.
Slightly off-topic, but a memory triggered by your comments – am I correct in assuming that back under Win 3.1, WinG was used to, in effect, “fake a 32”? Thanks for any enlightenment.
That takes me far back, but I think you are correct. In the early days of Windows, right before the “official 32” was borne, a 32 bit “simulation” was used very much like the “64 simulation” that we have discussed here.