Virus writers target Windows Vista already

Virus writers are devising methods of hacking Microsoft’s new operating system known as Windows Vista.

An Austrian programmer has published examples of malicious code that damages Microsoft Command Shell technology (MSH). This is expected to replace the current command prompt. Vista is scheduled for release in 2006.

In a company blog, Mikko Hypponen, a director of anti-virus research at Finnish security company F-Secure, said: “The case is interesting historically, as these are the first viruses for a totally new platform.”

Security experts had warned of the danger of virus writers exploiting MSH, in 2004.

However, it is not certain if Vista will use MSH. Mr Hypponen said: “It has lately been rumoured that MSH might not ship with Vista at all”. He said that it might be part of Microsoft Exchange 2006.

Microsoft’s Windows software runs on approximately 90% of personal computers worldwide.

Vista will incorporate security as an integral part of the operating system, rather than as an add-on – a completely new approach to computing for Microsoft.