I picked up "Malware: Fighting malicious code", by Ed Skoudis. It covers everything from the first known viruses, to worms, why they work, how they work, etc.

The parts I found most interesting is about 150 pages devoted to Rootkits, both user level and kernel level..(scary stuff), and a chapter on combo malware.

It's also interesting to read that most worm/virii/backdoors don't really live up to their potential, they could do alot more if ever out black hats become more motivated. (and maybe more educated)

Author's Bio: http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com...450947,00.html

http://www.informit.com/isapi/product_id~{8C021C4F-C0C3-4B52-A1E0-89D3295D189B}/session_id~{F0F5B8F6-C458-42AD-B81F-93ABD050A6EE}/content/index.asp

There is also a section teaching you how to set up your own research "laboratory"..

It's over 600 pages, but I found it to be a pretty easy read.