Virus protection is a problem for all operating systems

Security firm Sophos believes the view that "computers not running Windows operating systems without virus protection" is no longer true.

A number of viruses have begun to attack other operating systems such as Macintosh, UNIX / Linux. However, they only account for about 0.2% of all types of dangerous software.

We will analyze the need to protect other operating systems from viruses, discover threats to those platforms, because they can also hide and spread Windows viruses, especially in the current context when non-Windows operating systems are getting more and more popular.

Threats exist

The huge number of Windows computers made them easy and easy to find targets for those who program viruses or spam. So people often focus on fighting computer viruses for the Windows environment. Meanwhile, the security risks that are appearing on other operating systems are sometimes not taken care of properly. According to statistics from Sophos testing centers, they have now identified a total of 120,000 viruses, including 50 viruses that attack, spread on Mac, and about 100 Viruses on UNIX.

In general, all security holes on all different types of systems can be exploited. Nowadays, the combination of virus programmers, spammers, and hackers is getting more and more popular, they work together to steal information and money from businesses that seem to be trusted. all by post such as spyware, spam, cheat mail. Therefore, the dangers spread on non-Windows environments cannot be ignored.

OSX / Leap-A was the first dangerous software on Mac OSX to appear in February 2006. Linux / Mare-A appeared in December 2005 and spread through a security vulnerability of script files.

The hidden threat to Windows computers

It's easy to find a UNIX server connected to a large network of Windows-based computers. But corporate networks that they think don't use Windows still have some Windows machines connected. This is a fact, whether it is a real connection or a virtual connection, it is important to protect all computers in the network. Basically a virus or a worm is actually a file. It can be transferred to other computers through a variety of ways, such as through CDs, DVDs, USB drives, email, Internet, and sending messages.

Future threats

In addition to Windows, there are many reasons why other operating systems will also be targeted by virus programmers. One thing is for sure, both Mac and UNIX / Linux are becoming more and more popular. Apple has grown sales by 48% in the last quarter of 2005, Gartner market analyst said that Linux will achieve the strongest growth rate in the next 5 years.

To combat security challenges, we must implement a two-sided approach, which is to increase education for users about strong and reliable protection solutions and solutions. Parallel to that is the deployment of an antivirus solution for all computers to ensure information security and warnings.

Sophos is a company specializing in integrated solutions to manage viruses, worms, spam for businesses, banks, governments, and in education. Sophos products have been protecting more than 35 million users in over 150 countries around the world.

LQH