swimmer@fbihh.informatik.uni-hamburg.de (Morton Swimmer) (06/05/90)
I have been increasingly perplexed by the fact that there seems to be little consensus on what the definition of the term "Computer Virus" actually includes. This goes for other computer "beasts" such as "Trojan Horses" and "Worms". I would be interrested in hearing what other people think a virus is. Here are my own definitions: Computer Virus: a non-autonomous program that has the ability to copy itself onto a target. Trojan Horse: an autonomous program that has a function unknown (and unwanted) by the user. Worm: a program or set of programs that have the ability to propagate throughout a network of computers. Please note that both worm and virus definitions do not include the possibility of a payload. This may or may not be a weak point. Also note that the definitions of virus and trojan differ greatly from how Cohen defines them. This is intentional as I feel that Cohen's definition of virus is too broad (it can include a normal program such as DISKCOPY!). I'm not happy with my definition of worm myself. Also, (and this should be obvious) none of my definitions are very formal. NB: I feel it would be more economical if any contributors would send their pet definitions directly to me. I will then summerize and post them. (After the viruses vs. virii discussion I caused, I'd rather not be the cause of any more of Ken's aggravation. :-)) Here are my addresses (addressii?): swimmer@fbihh.informatik.uni-hamburg.de or swimmer@rz.informatik.uni-hamburg.dbp.de (Yes, I know they are long, but what can I do about it?) Cheers, Morton Virus Test Center .morton swimmer..virus-test-center..university of hamburg....odenwaldstr. 9. ...2000.hamburg.20..frg........eunet: swimmer@fbihh.informatik.uni-hamburg.de. ...God grant me the solemnity to accept the things I cannot change/Courage to. .change the things I can/And the wisdom to tell the difference.Sinead O'Conner disclaimer: does anybody read these things anyway?