Examples / virus software programming

[Implode]

Hello

I am studying software engineering, I start tommorow.

Java is one of the courses and I do understand some of the basics, but would like to know some real life examples of when the code is used.

e.g arrays, please give me a good example of when they are used.

another thing I want to do is program and design an anti-virus software package.

I have some questions about it.

. where does one obtain the blacklist/whitelist signitures

. Is java the best language for this, or will the slower speeds cause obvious problems.

. The database will need to be permantly updated, how much server capacity will be needed.(I am taking into account all the users keys which will be updated as the server connects them.and a few new technologies I will develop within my studies.)

. Im not sure but i guess an antivirus scans the file which must scan the and match the code to a signiture in the database.

Quarantine - what exactly does that do to the file?

I know this is not exactly topics for java beginners, but I am new to java and thought I should post it here.

I have many more questions and would really like to get decent amounts of info, or even better, some recommended books on the topics, couldnt find any, because a few look like they are books written for computer "noobs" about what virus software to you etc.

The book written by Peter Szor - the art of computer virus research and defense.

Thanks in advance, I appreciate it.

[mrmatt1111]

Java is not a good tool for an anti-virus program. You would need a lot of control over the system that the JVM will not give you.

[Implode]

I just joined here, need a few more posts to view links???

[Implode]

I started reading Shellcoders programming uncovered but it gets a little advanced.

ould you please give me some starting points on understanding how anti virus works etc?+

thanks

[senorbum]

tinyurl.com/m5r2r8

[Implode]

thanks again. :)

[Fubarable]

let me help with that link: how does antivirus work? - Google Search

[Implode]

So If I want to create an anti-virus software project I would need to discover virus code myself or purchase virus dictionaries??? please help me on this matter.

And the engine of the software , is that just the way in which the software searches or has that got to do with the dictionaries aswell??

Thanks in advance.

[senorbum]

So If I want to create an anti-virus software project I would need to discover virus code myself or purchase virus dictionaries??? please help me on this matter.

And the engine of the software , is that just the way in which the software searches or has that got to do with the dictionaries aswell??

Thanks in advance.

I think you need to learn a loooot first.

[Implode]

Would really like info on the topic, I know it is a lot of knowledge, hidden knowledge, maybe that is why no one can give me the info?

wrong forum for the topic??

[r035198x]

Have you decided on the language you are going to use first?
Then you need to learn that language first and be able to do simple tasks with it before trying to make a better anti virus than AVG or Norton with it.

[quad64bit]

I agree with senorbum. If you are still learning about structures such as Arrays, then you have quite a bit of work ahead of you before you can really think of something as ambitious as virus scanning software. Keep in mind that companies like Symantec have millions of dollars, many experienced software engineers, and a very mature product, and despite all of this, norton anti-virus is still terrible.

Also, a good scanner needs to account for processes and things stored in system memory, which the Java JVM will not give you access to.

Thirdly, most virus software will need to be able to examine things like the registry and have the ability to work directly with the kernel. All of this pretty much eliminates java, and anyone without a pretty robust software development background.

I think your idea is admirable, but I suggest you take smaller steps initially -- Why not reconsider this project after a semester of software engineering? I think you'll find that there are many rewarding (and simpler) projects to get started with.

[Implode]

Have you decided on the language you are going to use first?
Then you need to learn that language first and be able to do simple tasks with it before trying to make a better anti virus than AVG or Norton with it.

I hope that wasnt meant to be condescending..

Im researching as much info as possible to make this a personal project over the next few years until i have done my masters degree in software engineering.

The first question is how I obtain virus definitions, do I need to be a "virus hunter" and find the definitions myself ?

[Implode]

I agree with senorbum. If you are still learning about structures such as Arrays, then you have quite a bit of work ahead of you before you can really think of something as ambitious as virus scanning software. Keep in mind that companies like Symantec have millions of dollars, many experienced software engineers, and a very mature product, and despite all of this, norton anti-virus is still terrible.

Also, a good scanner needs to account for processes and things stored in system memory, which the Java JVM will not give you access to.

Thirdly, most virus software will need to be able to examine things like the registry and have the ability to work directly with the kernel. All of this pretty much eliminates java, and anyone without a pretty robust software development background.

I think your idea is admirable, but I suggest you take smaller steps initially -- Why not reconsider this project after a semester of software engineering? I think you'll find that there are many rewarding (and simpler) projects to get started with.

Thank you for the great answer, and that is exactly how I feel , like I said, it will be my own personal project as I study my degree and masters for the next 5 years or so. next year we start learning C and C++, so I will then be able to apply the research I have done and slowly build on the project.

:D

[r035198x]

I think you are asking the wrong questions first.
The first part, IMO, is getting technical programming knowledge .

[Implode]

I think you are asking the wrong questions first.
The first part, IMO, is getting technical programming knowledge .

Thanks, but I also want to know how the A-V programs work so it will be a type of goal for me to work towards, So I know the knowledge I need to learn and can have an idea on my progress.

Long term goal. :D

[senorbum]

Uhh, you aren't going to be able to know how AV software works if you don't know how software in general works. That's what everyone is trying to tell you. It's like trying to learn to cook before you have learned how to turn on the stove.

[Implode]

Uhh, you aren't going to be able to know how AV software works if you don't know how software in general works. That's what everyone is trying to tell you. It's like trying to learn to cook before you have learned how to turn on the stove.

Got the info from another HELPFUL forum. Thanks for nothing , If you didnt know then you could have kept quiet.

I dont need people to tell why I cant get there, only people who Help me get there.