Mallicious Software (Malware) (was Re: Running Jaws First...)
- From: "Will Pearson" <will-pearson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 15:25:58 -0000
Hi;
A point on mallicious software, or malware for short.
Pretty much any software can become malware, intentionally or not. It
really depends on the integrity and professionalism of the developer. I
could write a program that whilst running, secretly causes damage to your
system. Of course, I wouldn't do this, I value integrity and honesty with
users too much to even consider doing something like that, but some
developers don't. So, when considering software, and more importantly where
to get it from, in the case of non-commercial software, you have to consider
whether you trust the source. This should be both the creater of the
software, and anyone who's been part of the distribution chain for
non-commercial software. Leaving aside the ethical and moral aspects of
software piracy, I consider it to be a highly dangerous pastime to indulge
in. It's possible that someone could have hacked the binary executable
files for the installer or the application itself, something they have to do
any way in order to bypass any form of authorisation. You don't know that
they haven't modified that behaviour of those executable files to damage
your system when they're run. Unfortunately, most times, you only find out
once it's too late, you've run the executable and your system has become
permenantly damaged, maybe even the processers been blown up. So, I would
strongly encourage everyone to consider whether anyone who created the
software, or who has had the opportunity to modify it during the
distribution chain, would consider doing such mallicious acts.
In reality, it's only by being concious of what's going on around us, what
has the potential to be harmful, and being vigilant, that we can avoid
malware.
Will Pearson
Microsoft MVP (Visual Developer/VC++)
For more information about the Microsoft MV P Program, go to:
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "david poehlman" <david.poehlman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, December 06, 2004 5:25 PM
Subject: Re: Running Jaws First...
> I saw it on a list of dangerous apps. I don't know what kind of spyware
is
> in it.
>
> Johnnie Apple Seed
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jean C. Turley-Sinclair" <jcts@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Monday, December 06, 2004 11:59 AM
> Subject: Re: Running Jaws First...
>
>
> I thought Spy Sweeper was a recommended program. What kind of spy ware
does
> it have in it?
> JeanAt 10:32 AM 12/6/2004 -0500, you wrote:
> >spy sweeper has spy ware in it.
> >
> >Johnnie Apple Seed
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "Jean C. Turley-Sinclair" <jcts@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> >To: <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> >Sent: Monday, December 06, 2004 9:51 AM
> >Subject: Running Jaws First...
> >
> >
> >After I installed Spy Sweeper and ran a scan, the next time I turned on
my
> >computer JAWS did not come up and start talking. I forgot where I'm
> >supposed to go to check "run Jaws first". Could someone please tell me
> >where to go so I can make sure this checkbox is checked.
> >Thanks, Jean
> >
> >
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