Our Internet-connected society increasingly relies on computers. As a result, attacks on computers from malicious software have never been a bigger concern. Computer Viruses and Malware draws together hundreds of sources to provide an unprecedented view of malicious software and its countermeasures. This book discusses both the technical and human factors involved in computer viruses, worms, and anti-virus software. It also looks at the application of malicious software to computer crime and information warfare.

Computer Viruses and Malware is designed for a professional audience composed of researchers and practitioners in industry. This book is also suitable as a secondary text for advanced-level students in computer science.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. In 2003,1 started teaching a course on computer viruses and malicious software to senior undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Calgary. It's been an interesting few years. Computer viruses are a controversial and taboo topic, despite having such a huge impact on our society; needless to say, there was some backlash about this course from outside the University.

One of my initial practical concerns was whether or not I could find enough detailed material to teach a 13-week course at this level. There were some books on the topic, but (with all due respect to the authors of those books) there were none that were suitable for use as a textbook.