The wrong stuff? [computer viruses]

Antivirus observers are hard pressed to argue that we are winning the war against malicious mobile code (MMC). In fact, viruses are so common that the term is now embedded in popular culture - there are even advertising campaigns that use the idea to sell products. When average users know the latest widespread worm or virus by name, we know computer viruses are firmly established and here to stay. While researchers and industry developers have done much hard work, virus-detection technology is based on fairly simple rules, and numerous pitfalls remain. The author examines virus detection´s current technology and highlights some of its shortcomings. As a community, we need an honest reassessment of our defenses. Are we pursuing a failed solution or focusing on the wrong stuff?.