The Worst Computer Viruses Of All Time
Viruses are malicious computer programs or codes that have the capability of replicating themselves and spread across other connected systems or networks. They can be highly damaging, and potentially impede with the security and performance of your computer. Viruses can be categorized into two, being either known or unknown. Known viruses are mostly identified by antivirus software and are generally, less dangerous than their unknown counterparts.
In this article, we’re about to get into the worst computer viruses of all time. Some of them have long been forgotten, while others left behind deep, lasting impressions.
Here is a list of the most detrimental computer viruses every computer or network user must be aware of, and take the necessary safeguarding measures if found.
ILOVEYOU
The ILOVEYOU, also known as the Love Letter virus or Love Bug, is one of the most notorious computer viruses to date. It was originally released in 2000, and quickly spread across millions of computers via email and IM.
It arrived in users’ inboxes with a seemingly harmless and simple subject line of “ILOVEYOU”. It was sent as a seemingly romantic attachment with “LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.vbs” as its file name.
Once opened, the virus initiated various malicious functions, ultimately into damaging the system. These malicious functions include reading all emails stored in Outlook and sending copies of the virus to all addresses within address book. It also deletes certain types of files, including those with certain file extensions.
Notable damages caused by this virus include significant system slowdowns, data and file losses, service including Internet and email connection failures, and even information or data thefts.
Code Red
The Code Red virus first appeared in July 2001 and within a month, it had infected hundreds of thousands of computers. It affected computers running on Microsoft’s IIS (Internet Information Server) web service and took advantage of the vulnerability of the server software.
The virus was able to replicate itself and more importantly, the web applications on it to other computers, particularly those with vulnerable systems. Plus, the virus was designed to spread via the internet with the confirmation of a vulnerability in any given computer.
The damage done by this virus included system crashes and data losses. It even managed to slow down the performance of the World Wide Web, by sending myriad requests from infected computers to a non-existent web page.
Sobig.F
Sobig.F was a computer worm released in 2003 and sent itself out in numerous emails across the Internet, disguised as several things such as a product order confirmation, or system message to a recipient.
Once opened, it was capable of executing its malicious functions, such as copying itself to shared or connected computers, or deleting files and programs stored on infected systems. Unfortunately, it also had the capability of shutting down some computers.
The resultant damage included widespread system slowdowns and data losses.
MyDoom
The MyDoom virus, released in 2004, was a malicious computer worm spread through emails. It had a malicious attachment that opened a backdoor in users’ computers, enabling it to initiate any malicious functions it intended.
These functions ranges from disabling the victims’ antivirus software to copy itself to other computers. It was also capable of redirecting search results to malicious websites, and even sending spam emails.
Among the damages caused by this virus include system slowdowns and data losses, as well as the possibility of private information being stolen.
Sasser
Sasser was a computer worm released in April 2004 and specifically targeted computers running on Windows 2000 and Windows XP. It propagated across the internet, exploiting a particular security vulnerability in the Windows Operating System.
Damages caused by this virus includes crashing of the victims’ computers, and even slowing down the system performance in some days or weeks, prior to the system crashing.
Blaster
Blaster was a computer worm released on the 11th of August, 2003 and affected computers running Windows 2000, Windows 95 and Windows XP. The virus spread by exploiting a particular vulnerability of Microsoft’s DCOM or Distributed Component Object Model, as well as TCP port 135.
Blaster was particularly significant because it was crafted through the use of a malicious programming language known as Turing. This virus could propagate itself over networks, disconnect users from the web, send unwanted pop-ups and disrupt system performance.
And of course, the damages caused by Blaster included system crashes, data losses and information thefts.
Prevention
The best prevention against virus attacks is by installing a professional antivirus program with a powerful protection system. The software should be capable of scanning emails and other incoming/outgoing files and data, as well as prevent software from downloading/installing to your system, without your consent.
It should also be able to detect any threats, malware, spyware or Trojan horse, and alert you to the malicious activities, so you can take the necessary measures.
Moreover, users should avoid downloading torrents, or opening emails and links from a suspicious or unknown source. Users should also consider using an effective firewall options, and secure their system with secure or difficult to guess passwords.
Computer viruses are malicious programs or codes capable of replicating itself and spreading itself across other systems, potentially damaging the security and performance of your computer.
In this article, we discussed some of the most notorious viruses to enter our system, namely the ILoveYouLove Bug, Code Red, Sobig.F, MyDoom, Sasser and Blaster.
The damages caused by these viruses includes system crashes, slowdowns and data losses. To safeguard your system against virus attack, consider using an effective antivirus program, as well as disabling the downloading of software to your system, without your consent.