The Linux virus threat?
Source: IDG.net
L33tdawg: I think it's still going to be sometime before we see 'rampaging Linux viruses' but it's bound to happen sooner or later. The thing is, right now, Windows has the widest user base -- makes sense to write a virus for a platform that will surely spread like wild fire. How many home and business users do you know using Linux as their desktop?
Some of the press regarding the "Goner" email virus brought about interesting commentary from anti-virus manufacturers. It seems that a number of these folks feel that Linux viruses soon will be rampaging through the internet alongside their Windows brethren.
Don't hold your breath.
Why? Is Linux totally impervious to an email virus? In theory, no. But in practice, it comes close.
The current crop of email viruses relies heavily on the knowledge that most people are using the exact same email client: Microsoft's Outlook. With that knowledge, virus creators can focus on a single attack vector, capitalsing on the fact that Outlook allows incoming messages to be executed as programs. These programs can manipulate files on the recipient's system and mail themselves to other poor souls in the receiver's address book.
