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Virus software has a few methods to detect malicious code (virus, Trojan,
stealth, ghost). The first thing to understand is most networks use either
TCP/IP RFC 793 or IPX. Both are built with layers (OSI Model) to provide communication
across cables, airwaves, etc. These layers break down how the communication
will take part between computers. Examples are games versus database
access.
Virus signatures are patterns that are matched by the antivirus software
within these communication layers. Most viruses do have patterns, but some
don't. That is when the intelligent engine in the antivirus software takes
over. The OSI model has rules applied through RFC793 (www.rfc.net), and when
these rules are broken the antivirus program can sense or detect and
report.
Most antivirus software will offer to delete or contain (quarantine) the
malicious code. Remember, the antivirus program runs in the random access
memory (RAM or memory) of a computer. All communication from that computer
through TCP/IP or IPX is programmed to be monitored by the antivirus
software, thus when malicious code is detected it is stopped before it can
damage the computer.
See www.symantec.com or www.mcafee.com for specific product features.
For more information on this topic, visit these other SearchSecurity resources:
Best Web Links: Malware
News & Analysis: Target: Antivirus software
Scheier's Security Product Roundup: Antivirus tools unify and conquer
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