Malware Writer Myth-Busting, Part II

from the no,-i-really-do-have-a-girlfriend dept

Recently we wrote about the trend of virus writers shifting their efforts to spyware -- same thrill, more money. Another story today contradicts the theory that these scofflaws are a bunch of ne'er-do-well capitalists, or at least most of them. Rather than profit-seeking, most viruses are written for the challenge with little regard for the ultimate impact. Or so says Symantec expert Sarah Gordon, who has apparently interviewed hundreds of malware writers over the years. (Why Symantec has an employee dedicated to studying virus-writer psychology is another topic altogether.) Another misconception she's found: her interview subjects often have significant others -- deflating that old stereotype of lonely, loveless nerds. Rather, they vary considerably in their social and demographic profiles. Maybe you can't trust every assumption about virus writers. Next thing you know, we'll find out they don't have computers either.

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