First IA64 Windows Virus Released

NinjaPablo writes "W64.RugRat.3344 has been released as a proof of concept virus. It is the first virus which will only run on Windows on the IA64 platform, and uses APIs from 3 native DLLs to avoid crashing applications. It infects files that are in the same folder as the virus and in all subfolders. The author of the virus has also written other concept virii in the past."

What are the legal implications?

[ZosX]

So what are the legal implications of writing viruses?

Could the DMCA be evoked in such a case?

Or is it only illegal when they are executed and allowed to spread to the wild?

Just some questions.

Feel free to respond, thanks.

Re:Critique of the virus

[Guy Harris]

There's also

4) The virus doesn't also support x86-64, so it's not as CPU-independent as 64-bit Windows is.

Re:There's no such word as "virii"

[Anonymous Coward]

Quote:
"I intend to post a comment like this one whenever I see anybody use "virii.""

I have just one thing to say to you...

Virii!

Re:Doesn't this blow...

[gandalphthegreen]

That's why it's called a proof of concept. It simply proves that something can be done and is not concerned with doing lots of damage.

Re:W32/Shrug

[lcsjk]

I know what ING means. What does shrug mean?

Re:Critique of the virus

[W2k]

In other words, us happy AMD owners are safe. Yay! Unfortunately, IA-64 is so unpopular among consumer users (the ones who are likely to be sloppy with their anti-virus protections and fall victim to this sort of thing) that future viruses for 64-bit Windows will likely be targeting the x86-64.