Symantec discovered the first malicious threat to 64-bit Windows virus

W64.Rugrat. 3344. This non-hazardous virus will not spread widely; however, it is the first known threat to successfully attack 64-bit Windows executable programs. This threat does not affect 32-bit executable programs or run on 32-bit Windows platforms. It only targets 64-bit Windows operating systems.

W64.Rugrat. 3344 has the following features:

-This threat directly affects program execution (direct-action infector), that is, once executed, it is immediately out of memory.

-Compiled with IA64 (Intel processor architecture) Assembler code, can infect IA64 executable files, but does not include. dll files.

-Infected files in the same folder as viruses and all files in subfolders.

Vincent Weafer, senior director of Symantec Security Response Center, said: "Currently, 64-bit operating systems are not widely used. Most household and commercial systems currently use 32-bit platforms, so they will not be affected by this threat. At present, we do not think there will be a large-scale imitation threat, because only advanced technical knowledge can be used to compile the Assembly Code ."

W64.Rugrat. 3344 the threat level is Level 1. (Level 5 is the most serious threat ). Symantec Security Response Center recommends that you update the virus definition in a timely manner to avoid threat damage.