Spyware Warrior

[emperor_darius]

Hello, I'd really love to create an antivirus program, but I really don't know how to do that. Can anyone help me, by telling me were to find developing tools (possibly free), and tips.
Note: I'm only 13 and I have only DevC++ (basic knowledge).

[MysteryFCM]

Do you know how to disassemble and analyze malware?

Do you know how to diagnose and remove malware?

Are you familiar with the Windows registry, file system etc etc?

If you cannot answer yes to the above (and they're just the basics off the top of my head), then not knowing how to write such a program is at the bottom of the list (wanting to write an AV is admirable, but ALOT of hard work and dedication is involved and certainly more work than one person could handle).

Instead I'd advise familiarising yourself with the various system and malware aspects (either via school or online courses) before beginning to design the program let alone actually write it.

You may also want to get in touch with existing AV/AM companies, and see if they'll allow you to do some sort of apprenticeship (very unlikely at 13) or work experience (you can do these through some schools, depending on where you are).
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Regards

Steven Burn
I.T. Mate / hpHosts
it-mate.co.uk / hosts-file.net

[tripkill201]

Yes, I agree with MysteryFCM's post above. But, you also would have to pour so much money into an anti-virus, that, unless you are strapped for life with cash, you probably wouldn't be able to develop the program very far at the age of 13. Also, you would have to understand the key differences between viruses and malware/spyware/adware, and how to remove them. (But remember, anti-virus, and anti-spyware programs are 2 different things.) Don't forget the heuristics logic too. And the hundreds and hundreds of people it would take to make an adequate anti-virus. (Adequate=Better than Norton.)

So, take into consideration the many, many factors of an anti-virus before you embark (on what may be) a life-long project.
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The stakes are immense, the task colossal, the time is short. But we may hope — we must hope — that man’s own creation, man’s own genius, will not destroy him. -Albert Einstein

[goldengreek]

I will help you out. Give me your e-mail adress and I will send you a mild virus. That will give you something to experiment with while you are trying to delete it. I promise it won't steal your id or your bank account, but it might fry your hard drive. OK, I'm just kidding. I applaude your efforts, though, and it will be a long and expensive venture for you if you develop one that can compete with the likes of Norton,McAfee, Trend Micro, Kaspersky, NOD32, Panda, and other top AVs. I hope you succeed