Zero Day_ A Novel - Mark Russinovich [20]
“All security systems are reactive in nature. That means the virus has a head start in infecting computers before it’s identified and enters the log of the antivirus and firewall programs. There are very sophisticated crooks who have taken to hiring crackers to deliver viruses that steal financial information. Computer security has become much more difficult now that there’s a great deal of money to be made. Russian crackers looted a French bank of more than one million dollars in 2006.”
Sue shook her head in amazement.
“Since your firewall and antivirus software didn’t spot whatever it is, it’s something off the charts,” Jeff said, rubbing his forehead, trying to ease his exhaustion away. “Something new, or something very sneaky—perhaps something targeted specifically at you. Any business makes enemies.”
“I hadn’t considered that.” Sue shifted in her chair and pointed at Jeff’s computer screen.“But you think this is Russian.”
“I can’t really put my finger on it. I’ve been able to read some of the code, and it’s just got a Russian feel to it.”
“Maybe somebody copied some Russian code.”
“Could be, could be. But like I said, the Russians have lots of computer-savvy people, and they lease themselves out to criminal groups.”
“You think something like that happened to us?”
“I can’t say at this point. I see sophisticated along with sloppy work. The virus might have been after your data or bank records, but something went wrong because the code was carelessly written.”
“So you think this is about our financial data?”
Jeff grinned. “I don’t know. I’m just speculating here. It might also be an attack meant to create the destruction it’s causing, or something gone awry. It’s possible it steals information, sends it out, then destroys itself to cover its tracks. I just don’t know enough yet.”
Harold was long gone and no one was working in the outside offices. The building was quiet, almost as if it were asleep. “Let’s get some more coffee,” Sue said. In the break room she emptied the coffee machine, rinsed out the pot, filled it with bottled water, opened a container of coffee, and placed it into a new filter. She turned the machine on, then leaned back against the counter to wait. “So you still play video games,” she said with an amused look.
Jeff smiled. “My secret vice. Actually, it’s all related. At least that’s what I tell myself. I prefer online first-person shooting scenarios. It’s how I deal with stress and it’s something I can do anywhere. I also like brainteasers.”
“That’s where your work comes in.”
“Right. I hate to lose. I’ll stick with a virus until I have it figured out, no matter how long it takes.”
Sue arched an eyebrow. “That must get expensive for the client.”
He shook his head. “No, there’s a point beyond which it makes no sense to keep billing. After I’ve fixed the problem, though, I’ll take the virus home and work on it there until I’ve got it.” He met her eyes. “How long have you been here?”
Sue gave him her nonoffice smile. “Just over four years.” Pouring them each a fresh cup of strong coffee, she motioned to Jeff to sit down at the well-used table. Placing his coffee in front of him, she seated herself, took a sip, and sighed with satisfaction before continuing, “I’m from northern California, went to UC Berkeley for computer science. I worked at Microsoft, then took a job in San Francisco before moving here. I’ve worked at Cohen ever since. Until Saturday, it was a good job. Greene’s a pain sometimes, but as long as the system works, he leaves us alone, and Harold has no life away from work. Sadly, that makes two of us. And so you don’t have to ask, my dad’s white and my mom is third-generation San Francisco Chinese. Big scandal in the family. What about you?”
“I’m from Philly originally. I majored in math, enjoyed computer science, so went to the University of Michigan for my Ph.D.”
Sue flashed that friendly smile again. “I have to say, Jeff, you certainly don’t look like a computer geek.”
He laughed. “Genetics, mostly,