Interview with CyberYoda
by Cicatrix
[August 1997]

How did you start out in computers?

I started out learning Qbasic and went up from there.

How and when did you start out in the virus scene?

Early 1997, I came upon the Ripper virus...I was fascinated by the payload and the the way it spread. (No, I didn't get infected by it.) I started researching viruses and learned WordBasic. I wrote the Vicissitator and got accepted into SLAM. I know am working on ASM and plan on more interesting Viruses.

Have you written viruses? If so which would you like to take credit for?

For Now I only would like to be know for the Vicissitator, I am still knew to the scene, so expect more WordBasic and ASM viruses from me in the future.

How do you name your viruses?

Naming is the most difficult part for me. I look through thesauri and found synonyms for words that suit the virus. I then change the words into a name. Look up vicissitude for the vicissitator.

Which programming languages do you know?

In order that I learned them: Qbasic, Visual Basic, WordBasic and ASM. I was planning on learning more, but time is a limiting factor.

What programming language do you like using the most?

I like ASM just because it is the most versatile language, creates the smallest file sizes and is the fastest.

Are you a member of a VX group?

Yes. SLAM

Which AV software do you like/respect the most? Which the least?

I respect AVP because it makes the least amount of claims. I don't like scanners that advertise that they are the best scanner. I dislike MSAV just because...well how do I say this nicely? It sucks.

What are your goals (VX wise)?

To make viruses that give AV the biggest pain in the butt.

What is your view on the continuous 'war' between VX and AV.

I love the war. Whatever VX throws at AV, they find away around, and whatever AV throughs at VX, VX finds away around. I believe there well never be an AV that detects all viruses. The warfield will always be level. If you need proof for this, just look at todays biological viruses. They still exist, and no organism is immune to all of them.

Where did you get you handle? What does it mean?

Cyber from Electronics, and Yoda from Star Wars. I took Yoda because he alway had something wise/smart to say.

What is your view on Virus Creation software (eg. VCL, PS-MPC etc.)?

They are a good programming challenge, but should not be written because it give lamers the ability to create viruses without the knowledge to control/contain them.

What is your view on macro viruses vs. assembly or HLL viruses?

I wish people would quit saying that Macro virus writers are lame virus writers. WordBasic and VBA is the only language Macro Virus writers have to work with. I would gladly write Macro viruses in ASM if I could. I have nothing against HLL but the best viruses are written in ASM just because ASM is the fastest, smallest and creates the most versatile viruses.

Have you ever confirmed one of your viruses 'in-the-wild'?

Not yet...

Which individual or what group do you like/respect in the VX world?

VLAD for their high standards. (You guys should accept new members so VLAD will never die.)

Which individual or what group do you like/respect outside the VX or the AV world?

I like Bill Gates, for he gives VXrs new platforms for viruses.

What is your view on destructive payloads in viruses?

I think destructive payloads should only be used to protect the virus from being discovered. I detest viruses that format the hd.

Do you think there is such a thing as a 'good' virus?

No...but I don't think there is such a thing as a 'bad' virus, either.

What do you do in 'real' life?

I am a student.

Do people outside the VX scene know what you do (parents, girlfriend etc.)?

Some do...some don't.

Do you do other computer stuff outside VX (Hacking, phreaking, warez etc.)?

Yes, but not much.

Should viruses be illegal? Is there a difference between creation and spreading?

No. Yes.

Describe the perfect virus.

A virus that performs complete evolutions, which enables it to avoid present and future scanners.

What is your view on Windows (95)

It has it good points and bad points.

What is your advice for people just starting out?

Learn ASM, that way everything else will seem easy.

Where can you be reached if at all?

cyoda@usa.net, and on IRC on Undernet #virus.

Any greets?

Hi Unknown, Marc, FlmWombat, Pockies, Methyl, RustBug, NJoker, and everybody else on #virus and in SLAM.

Short responses to the following names or words:

- Dark Avenger

- I am waiting for your return to the VX world

- Alan Solomon

- Nice Scanner, I respect you even tho you are AV

- WordBasic/VBA

- MicroSoft, we need an ASM for Word.

- Assembler

- Everybody should have one or more...

- VLAD

- Keep up the excellent coding and accept new members.

- Polymorphic

- Keeps on changing and changing and changing...

- Stealth

- Every good virus should have some.

- I hate

- Retch...Your killing efnet #virus

- Internet

- We need new applicants to take a IQ test before allowing them on. This would weed out some of the lamers.

- IRC

- Most is garbage, but some is sometimes useful

From what part of the world are you?

USA

Will you ever release a virus creator?

Not Likely

Are you working on any tutorials?

Nope

Have you made any engines (polymorphic, mutation)?

Not really, but I planning to work on a poly/mutation engine for ASM.

What are future projects VX wise?

More complex viruses.

Is it macro viruses only or more?

Nope...I am working on ASM.