computer viruses as a social problem

[Wesker]

Hello guys, I'm doing my university research and my topic is "computer viruses as a social problem" I have look through this web site, but most of them are how does viruses woek something like that.... So can any one suggest some online journals for me??

[SirDice]

What kind of information do you need?

We can probably put you in the right direction but we need to understand the type of information you need. Help us help you.

Perhaps, for starters, you could browse the SANS Reading Room.

Edit: Where are my manners Welcome to AO

[zencoder]

Yes, we'd be happy to help...but I for one don't understand what you need. Viruses as a social problem? What do you mean? The title/topic is intriguing, and you might have the basis of a very good paper, but I don't know what you're getting at.

The psychology of virus writers? The sociology of skiddies and what drives their behavior?

[Egaladeist]

Hi Wesker,

Social implications of viruses and general computer ethics is a very obsure topic but these should help you get a heads up on your research...

http://www.emr.org/linksUCE.html
Links - Computer Ethics

http://www.computer.org/education/cc...nal/cs280t.htm
CS280. Social and Professional Issues

http://cse.stanford.edu/class/cs201/...revalence.html
Virus: A Retrospective - Social Impact

you might, as a side venture, look at viruses and other socially engineered problems from the perspective of copyright law...eg. do virus, worm, trojan, etc., writers have the same rights to copyright protection as with other forms of intellectual property?

[Black Cluster]

I think our friend Wesker is trying to ask What Motivates Virus Writers?
If I got you correctly, then this link is very useful...
http://www.madchat.org/vxdevl/papers.../darkmoon.html

The implication of digital world upon society {and Vice Versa} is a very complicated and ramified matter...

[whatthe]

Don't overlook the social issues with regards to the majority of people who get infected .. mainly indifferent and uneducated attitudes towards virus and computer security.

[Wesker]

Sorr I did not write down what information I need, here are some inforamtion. I have to do the research for what drives people create and spread viruses, and how these people can be controlled. OH yes I have to say thankyou to you guys. thanks for everyone helps!!

[ss2chef]

I would suggest you take a look at the many studies done regarding vandalism in general.
Very similar IMO.

[rowdy_yates]

Computer viruses are a "social problem" in as far as the virus writer(s)/creator(s) are "social derelicts" more intent on causing havoc than on putting these skills towards the betterment of the cyberworld.

[whatthe]

what drives people create and spread viruses,

What Makes Johnny (and Jane) Write Viruses?
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/...05,pg,1,00.asp

Looking into the mind of a virus writer
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/interne....writers.reut/

These are a little dated but have some good basics. Google for 'profiles of virus writers'

how these people can be controlled

If they're caught, the sentences (jail and fines) have to be serious. That opens a can of worms though, does society have the right give some one a harser sentence just as a deterrent to others?

One of the major ways to control them is to limit the damage they can cause. This is through up to date systems (patches, AV, anti spyware, firewall etc) and users educated enough to take precautions when using their computer (not opening attachments, discretion in visiting web sites, etc)