Software virus and it’s history
A software virus, also known as a computer virus, is a type of malicious software that is designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer system to another. It typically attaches itself to a legitimate program or file, and once executed, it can cause damage to the system or steal sensitive information.
A virus can infect a computer in a number of ways, such as through email attachments, infected software downloads, or through a vulnerability in the operating system. Once the virus is on a system, it can perform a variety of harmful actions, such as deleting files, stealing personal information, or disrupting the normal functioning of the system.
To protect against software viruses, it is important to have up-to-date antivirus software installed on your computer, avoid opening suspicious email attachments or downloading software from untrusted sources, and keep your operating system and other software up-to-date with the latest security patches.
There are several types of software viruses that can infect computer systems, including:
1. File infectors: This type of virus infects executable files, such as .exe or .dll files, and can spread to other files on the system.
2. Boot sector viruses: These viruses infect the boot sector of a computer’s hard drive and can spread to other computers by infecting bootable media such as floppy disks, CDs, or USB drives.
3. Macro viruses: These viruses infect documents that contain macros, such as Microsoft Word documents, and can execute malicious code when the document is opened.
4. Email viruses: These viruses are spread through email attachments and can infect a system when the attachment is opened.
5. Worms: Unlike viruses, worms can spread on their own without human intervention. They typically exploit security vulnerabilities in networked systems to spread from one computer to another.
6. Trojan horses: Trojan horses are malware that appear to be legitimate software but have hidden malicious functionality. They can be used to steal personal information, spy on a user’s activities, or damage the system.
7. Ransomware: This type of virus encrypts a user’s files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Ransomware can be spread through email attachments, malicious downloads, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in a system.
The history of software viruses dates back to the early days of computing. The first known computer virus was created in 1971 by a programmer named Bob Thomas. The virus, which was called the “Creeper virus,” was a self-replicating program that spread between mainframe computers running the TENEX operating system. The Creeper virus did not cause any damage to the computers it infected, but it displayed a message that said “I’m the creeper, catch me if you can!”
Over the next few decades, computer viruses became more common and more sophisticated. In the 1980s, virus creators began to use social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading and running infected files. Some of the most famous viruses from this era included the “Brain” virus, which was the first virus to infect IBM-compatible PCs, and the “Michelangelo” virus, which was programmed to activate on March 6, the birthday of the famous artist.
In the 1990s, the popularity of the internet led to the rapid spread of viruses through email and file sharing. This era saw the emergence of worms like the “ILOVEYOU” virus, which spread via email and caused billions of dollars in damage. The 2000s saw the rise of more sophisticated viruses, such as the “Stuxnet” worm, which was designed to attack industrial control systems and was widely believed to be a state-sponsored attack.
Today, software viruses continue to evolve and pose a significant threat to computer systems and data. However, advances in antivirus software and other cybersecurity measures have helped to mitigate the impact of virus infections. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that new types of viruses and malware will emerge, and cybersecurity experts will need to continue to stay ahead of these threats.