Computer Viruses: Infection Vectors, and Feasibility of Complete Protection :: essays research papers fc

Computer Viruses Infection Vectors, and Feasibility of Complete ProtectionA calculating machine virus is a platform which, after being loaded into a information processing systems memory, copies itself with the purpose of pass oning to othercomputers.Most people, from the corporate level power programmer down to thecomputer hobbyist, have had either personal experience with a virus or knowsomeone who has. And the rate of infection is rising monthly. This has caused awide spread interest in viruses and what can be done to protect the data nowentrusted to the computer systems throughout the world.A virus can gain recover to a computer system via any one of fourvectors1. Disk usage in this case, infected files contained on a diskette(including, on occasion, diskettes supplied by softwaremanufacturers) are loaded, and used in a previously uninfectedsystem thus allowing the virus to spread.2. Local Area Network a local area network allows multiple computers to share thesame data, and programs. However, this data sharing can allowa virus to spread rapidly to computers that have otherwise beenprotected from extraneous contamination.3. Telecommunications also known as a Wide Area Network, thisentails the connection of computer systems to each other viamodems, and telephone lines. This is the vector most fearedby computer users, with infected files being rapidly passedalong the emerging information super-highway, then downloadedfrom public services and then used, thus infecting the new system.4. Spontaneous Generation this exist vector is at the same timethe least thought of and the least likely. However, becausevirus programs tend to be small, the possibility exists thatthe code inevitable for a self-replicating program could berandomly generated and executed in the normal operation ofany computer system.Even disregarding the fourth infection vector, it can be seen that the whole way to completely protect a computer system is to isolate it from allcontact with t he outside world. This would include the user programming all ofthe necessary code to operate the system, as even commercial products have beenknown to be shipped already infected with viruses.In conclusion, because a virus can interject a computer in so many differentways, perhaps the best thing to do is more a form of damage aver rather thanprevention. Such as, maintain current backups of your data, keep your originalsoftware disks write-protected and away from the computer, and use a good Virusdetection program.Outline dissertation Complete protection of a computer system from viruses is notpossible, so efforts should be concentrated on recovery rather than prevention.I. Introduction, with definition.A. situate Computer Virus.B. Define interest group.C. Define problem.