More to blame for virus epidemics

There is an interesting new dynamic to the recent malicious code outbreaks that have plagued corporations. The methods of infection and propagation haven't changed much--virus writers are still relying on mass-mailing techniques--but the targets of these exploits have changed drastically. Over the last several years, most malicious code has targeted Internet users in general. Recently, however, the target has shifted. Malicious code is now the preferred weapon in a war between virus writers and corporations--or even between rival groups.

Take, for example, the MyDoom worm that attacked in January. Typical of most malcode, the worm relied on users to click on a file attachment to launch it. Contained in the code, however, was a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack aimed at the SCO Group. DDoS attacks hijack hundreds or even thousands of machines and use them to send packets of information to attack and take down a server.

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