Malware at its worst: death and destruction

• Pages: 527-540
• Date: 01 October 2018
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJAIM-04-2018-0046
• Published date: 01 October 2018
• Author: Richard G. Brody,Harold U. Chang,Erich S. Schoenberg
• Subject Matter: Accounting & Finance,Accounting/accountancy,Accounting methods/systems

Malware at its worst: death

and destruction

Richard G. Brody and Harold U. Chang

Department of Accounting, Anderson School of Management,

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, and

Erich S. Schoenberg

Department of Information Systems, Anderson School of Management,

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Abstract

Purpose –Most people are probablyaware of malware, but they may not be aware of malware in what may

be its most dangerous form, i.e. causing physical harm, even death, to individuals. This paper aims to

document how softwarecan cause malicious harm to individuals by attackingmodern systems that appear to

be neglectedand under-researched.

Design/methodology/approach –This paper will review some of the mostsignificant areas of concern

with respect to end of days malware, i.e. malware that has a dangerous intent. The areas included are

automobiles,medical devices and air traffic control systems.

Findings –The potentialharmful effects of malware are oftennot well known by consumers and businesses

around the world. These issues are not limited to just financial harm. Lives can actually be in danger.

Underestimating the importance of cybersecurity and understanding the dangers that are associated with

advancing technology are global issues that will continue unless there is enough awareness to force

businessesand governments to address these issues. It is criticalthat safeguards are established.

Originality/value –While many papers have beenwritten about malware and the implications of having

malicious software infect a computer or a network, little attentionhas been paid to “end of days”malware.

With advancing technology,malware now has the ability to cause serious injury or death to individualswho

have minimal or no knowledge of the potential consequences of, for example, driving in an automobile,

wearing or havingan internal medical device or flying on an airplane. It is up to businesses andgovernments

to address theseissues.

Keywords Death, Malware, Physical harm, Security vulnerabilities

Paper type General review

Introduction

Malware, by definition, is short for malicious software and is used to infiltrate and damage

computer systems. When one thinks about malware, the attention usually turns to issues

relating to money or lack of accessto data. Has someone taken over my computer and is now

demanding money to “fix”it? Are fake advertisements being sent to me that will result in

my purchase of counterfeit goods? Is my identity being stolen? These issues have financial

and business implications. While these problems can be serious and costly, new forms of

malware go well beyond financial concerns; in fact, you may wish that you “only”had

financial issues as these new forms of malwaremay actually result in serious injury or even

death. This emerging “end of days”malwareis a significant threat that many are not aware

of and while it seems to be more of a Hollywood horror movie, it is real and worthy of our

attention. As our awareness increases, more resources may flow to preventing, detecting

and responding to these terrifyingthreats.

Malware at

its worst

527

Received28 April 2018

Revised13 June 2018

Accepted24 June 2018

InternationalJournal of

Accounting& Information

Management

Vol.26 No. 4, 2018

pp. 527-540

© Emerald Publishing Limited

1834-7649

DOI 10.1108/IJAIM-04-2018-0046

The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:

www.emeraldinsight.com/1834-7649.htm