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Frederick B. Cohen
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A Short Course on Computer Viruses (Wiley Professional Computing) 2nd Edition

by Frederick B. Cohen (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3 ratings
See all formats and editions
From the reviews of the first edition "Cohen has been writing and speaking on viruses since they were just glimmerings in the eyes of … minded computer scientists. And, as a … minded scientist himself, Dr. Cohen does know his stuff." —EXE Magazine "This book is fun to read (a rarity in this field) and seemingly near faultless in the majority of its conclusions. Considering the author’s considerable achievements, it is also written with admirable modesty." —Virus Bulletin Here is an outstanding opportunity to learn about computer viruses from the internationally acclaimed pioneer in the field who actually coined the phrase "computer virus." This new edition of Cohen’s classic work has been updated and expanded to nearly double its original size and now includes entirely new chapters on LAN viruses, international viruses, and good viruses (including code). As entertaining as it is thorough, the text is enlivened by Cohen’s down-to-earth wit and his many fascinating anecdotes and heretofore unpublished historical facts about viruses. Both broad in its coverage and deep in its consideration, it includes dozens of lucid explanations and examples that amicably guide the reader through the complex, often convoluted subject matter. Hailed as a tour de force, Cohen’s discussion of defensive strategies reveals many of the stumbling blocks that often trip readers up. Among the breakthroughs and exciting new developments you’ll find only in this book are:
  • A new analysis of the epidemiology of computer viruses
  • New forms of virus evolution that will render most current defenses useless
  • New strategies and tactics in virus defenses
  • New analyses of synergistic effects in attack and defense
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  1. ISBN-10
    0471007684
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0471007685
  3. Edition
    2nd
  4. Publisher
    Wiley
  5. Publication date
    April 20, 1994
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    7.6 x 0.59 x 9.27 inches
  8. Print length
    288 pages
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

It is rare in the computer world to find someone both technically and verbally adept. It is even rarer to find yourself laughing out loud when reading a computer text. Fred Cohen is not only a pioneer in the field of virus research, but also a superb storyteller. Cohen provides an engaging account of viruses, his early experiments, and his struggle to convince security experts that viruses are a real threat. In one of his most memorable anecdotes, Cohen describes a visit to a security trade show where--to the dismay of the experts--he swiftly demonstrates how even the lowest level employee has the ability to breach the system's defenses. As an expert in the field, he is often given credit for coining the term "computer virus." In fact, his famous 1984 paper brought about the first real interest in viruses from both researchers--and unfortunately--virus creators. A Short Course on Computer Viruses is largely theoretical in nature, and while Cohen does not discuss the commercial anti-virus packages, he does explain how they work and what their limitations are.

From the Back Cover

From the reviews of the first edition "Cohen has been writing and speaking on viruses since they were just glimmerings in the eyes of … minded computer scientists. And, as a … minded scientist himself, Dr. Cohen does know his stuff." —EXE Magazine "This book is fun to read (a rarity in this field) and seemingly near faultless in the majority of its conclusions. Considering the author’s considerable achievements, it is also written with admirable modesty." —Virus Bulletin Here is an outstanding opportunity to learn about computer viruses from the internationally acclaimed pioneer in the field who actually coined the phrase "computer virus." This new edition of Cohen’s classic work has been updated and expanded to nearly double its original size and now includes entirely new chapters on LAN viruses, international viruses, and good viruses (including code). As entertaining as it is thorough, the text is enlivened by Cohen’s down-to-earth wit and his many fascinating anecdotes and heretofore unpublished historical facts about viruses. Both broad in its coverage and deep in its consideration, it includes dozens of lucid explanations and examples that amicably guide the reader through the complex, often convoluted subject matter. Hailed as a tour de force, Cohen’s discussion of defensive strategies reveals many of the stumbling blocks that often trip readers up. Among the breakthroughs and exciting new developments you’ll find only in this book are:
  • A new analysis of the epidemiology of computer viruses
  • New forms of virus evolution that will render most current defenses useless
  • New strategies and tactics in virus defenses
  • New analyses of synergistic effects in attack and defense

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wiley; 2nd edition (April 20, 1994)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0471007684
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0471007685
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.6 x 0.59 x 9.27 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3 ratings

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Frederick B. Cohen

Frederick B. Cohen

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
3 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

R. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic reference on viruses
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 1999
Fred Cohen did pioneering research work in viruses and this book is a survey of virus technology. The book covers the general topic of malicious software from a solid technical level. The book provides no magic bullets either for stopping viruses nor for writing them (there aren't any), but he nails the technology right on. Sill a worthwhile book even though it predates the popularization of active content like Java and the outbreaks of macro viruses in Office applications.
6 people found this helpful
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Kevin D. Peterson
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Theory Book
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2001
This book is not about how to write viruses or how to protect yourself from them. It's about the theoretical aspects of viruses. It's a good book. Not great writing, sometimes too difficult theory, leaves out some stuff that could be included now. It's pretty much required reading if you want to really understand how viruses work, not just how to operate your anti virus software, or how to create a new variant of an Outlook virus. It can elevate your thinking about viruses above the specifics of what is going on with today's viruses under today's security models.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
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