Learn more about the lifecycle of computer viruses, particularly focusing on Atari ST bootsector viruses, which have two main phases: the initial phase when they are unknown and proliferate, and the subsequent phase when they become known and are targeted by antivirus software.
It outlines various characteristics and tactics of these viruses, including symptoms, replication mechanisms, incubation periods, and stealth techniques used to evade detection by antivirus programs.
The article describes techniques used by virus creators to avoid detection by antivirus software on Atari ST systems, including manipulating bootsector formats and checksums. It highlights how viruses obfuscate their code to evade static analysis and may delay activation to bypass boot checks. Additionally, some viruses employ social engineering tactics to disguise themselves as legitimate software. Overall, it illustrates the ongoing struggle between virus creators and antivirus developers.
The article from 1990 discusses the emergence of MIDI viruses, specifically the Fires and Scramble viruses, which target MIDI systems on Atari ST computers. The Fire virus spreads by corrupting MIDI data and can go unnoticed unless users monitor their screens closely. The Scramble virus operates silently, altering MIDI parameters randomly and potentially disrupting live performances. Both viruses are spread through software rather than MIDI equipment, making detection challenging. Joke or Reality?
"Boot sector viruses conquer the Atari ST", an article from Computer & Technik in July 1988, teanslated in English.