Three months after recording a 64-bit attack code called W64.Rugrat.3344, security firm Symantec (USA) has just announced the discovery of a similar program targeting Microsoft's operating system.
The W64.Shruggle virus, in fact, is still a test of someone's ability to spread the word on 64-bit computing. Alfred Huger, director of Symantec's Security Center, said: "The virus is not yet widely spread. The most notable thing is that it shows a new generation of viruses is growing. "
Symantec obtained a copy of Shruggle from a security network they monitored. According to Huger, the virus, even released on the Internet, can not be spread because of the 64-bit Windows software it exploits has not been released by Microsoft. Some development units are also promoting extensions of 64-bit Windows, but basic software is still in beta. Shruggle does not work on 32-bit versions such as Windows 2000 and Windows XP, which are currently the most popular operating systems for a large number of users.
The emergence of a 64-bit Windows virus at this point may sound a bit ridiculous as other processors like AMD's Opteron have security enhancements for PCs running the Microsoft operating system. These defense tools focus on preventing worms and other types of attacks from being triggered without the need to trick users into opening files or clicking on links like e-mail viruses.
Shruggle is not a big threat now, but it shows that the virus writers are also moving forward. Mobile viruses that target Symbian operating systems (the Cabir worm) and Windows CE (Bardor.A worm) have recently been discovered that clearly illustrate this trend.
"The risk lies in the front but these are the threats that we've seen right now," said Symantec's Director of Security Center.
