[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux AntiVirus

[kbrannen@gte.net]

Kyle Davenport wrote:
> From: kbrannen at gte.net
> 
>>>    As to the question of a Virus or Worm causing problems on a Linux
>>>system, while it's theoretically possible to make a linux virus, in
>>>practice, you will never see one. Part of the problem is most people
>>>don't even know what a virus is, but I will spare y'all the boring
>>>details. This is the best accounting of virus's I came across:
>>>
>>>            Linux     Windows
>>>Viruses     30     70,000
>>>Worms       70     100,000
>>>Trojans    130     300,000
>>>(Trogans: hard to restrict because a trojan could be defined as any
>>>executable which does something you don't want it to.)
>>>
...
>>Where do the above stats come from?  I mean really, 30 viruses for linux?
...
> 
> Stats from me.  Sorry, I didn't expect an inquisition.  I went to some
> trouble (because of a previous argument)  to scour the web on this subject.
> I went to all the Virus Software sites, and the security sites, and read
> the best reviews of the issue I could find.  I considered their arguments
> and looked at their evidence for linux viruses, worms, etc.  So, sorry, no
> links but I was just trying to convince myself.   There are so many viruses
> for windows because tiny mutations are enough to make new viruses - all
> they have to do is escape the digital signatures the virus scanners are
> looking for.  [ Yet another indication of how insane Window's security is ]
> 
> Yes I would like to see that "remote crack" line too.

No inquisition, I'm not Spanish. :-)  I was just curious, but then I have a 
natural skepticism about stats.  If you ever find any links for this, please 
post (or send to me); I'd love to see detailed info.

Kevin