KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT VIRUS(COPUTER PROGRAM)
1. The first computer virus was created in 1971 by Bob Thomas, and it was called "Creeper." It was a self-replicating program that displayed the message "I'm the creeper, catch me if you can!" on infected computers.
2. The term "virus" comes from its biological counterpart and refers to the ability of computer viruses to replicate and spread from one system to another.
3. The "ILOVEYOU" virus, released in 2000, infected millions of computers worldwide within hours by disguising itself as a love letter attachment in emails.
4. A virus needs a host program or file to enter a computer system and replicate. Once the host program is executed, the virus can spread to other files and systems.
5. Some viruses are programmed to stay dormant and activate on specific dates or under certain conditions. This makes them harder to detect and eradicate.
6. The concept of antivirus software was first introduced in the early 1980s with the release of "Reaper," a program designed to remove the Creeper virus.
7. Cybercriminals often use advanced techniques, known as polymorphic viruses, to evade detection. These viruses constantly change their code, making it difficult for antivirus programs to recognize them.
8. The number of new malware variants released daily is astonishingly high, with some reports estimating it to be in the hundreds of thousands.
9. Worms are a type of self-replicating malware that do not require a host program to spread. They exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks to propagate rapidly.
10. Trojan horses are malicious programs disguised as legitimate software. They often trick users into downloading or installing them, leading to unauthorized access or data theft.
11. Boot sector viruses infect the boot sector of hard drives or floppy disks and activate when the computer is started, making it difficult to detect and remove them.
12. Computer viruses can damage a system by corrupting or deleting files, slowing down the computer's performance, or causing the operating system to crash.
13. The Chernobyl virus, also known as CIH, released in 1998, was one of the most destructive viruses at that time. It infected millions of computers and caused damage to the system's BIOS, rendering them inoperable.
14. Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are increasingly targeted by viruses and malware due to their popularity and widespread usage.
15. Malware can be distributed through various means, including email attachments, infected websites, malicious advertisements, or even through social engineering techniques.
16. Drive-by downloads are a common method used by hackers, where malware is automatically downloaded to a user's computer when visiting a compromised or malicious website.
17. A rootkit is a sophisticated form of malware that allows unauthorized access to a computer system while concealing itself from detection by security software.
18. Ransomware attacks have become a significant threat, where hackers encrypt a victim's files and demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
19. Botnets are networks of infected computers controlled remotely by a hacker. These networks are often used for various cybercriminal activities, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
20. Some viruses have been intentionally created by governmental organizations for espionage and cyber warfare purposes, often referred to as state-sponsored malware.
21. Advanced techniques, known as zero-day exploits, take advantage of previously unknown vulnerabilities in software. These exploits can be sold on the black market for hefty profits.
22. Older viruses, like the "Stoned" virus from 1987, were relatively harmless, often displaying humorous messages or graphics rather than causing significant harm to computer systems.
23. Viruses can also target industrial control systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, which control critical infrastructure like power plants, water supply networks, and transportation systems.
24. The first known virus designed for Macintosh systems, called "Scores," was discovered in 1988, debunking the myth that Macs are immune to viruses.
25. Some viruses have self-destruct mechanisms that trigger under specific circumstances or when actively being analyzed by antivirus researchers, making them harder to study and analyze.
26. Virus creators often use obfuscation techniques, like encryption or compression, to hide their malicious code and make it more challenging to detect.
27. The annual cost of cybercrime caused by viruses and malware is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, taking into account both financial losses and the cost of cybersecurity measures.
28. Some viruses have themes or names inspired by popular culture, such as the "Michelangelo" virus, named after the renowned Italian artist, or the "Sasser" worm, named after its creator's pet cat.
29. The Conficker worm, discovered in 2008, infected millions of computers running Microsoft Windows by exploiting a vulnerability that had a readily available security patch. This incident highlighted the importance of regularly updating software.
30. Cybersecurity professionals and researchers constantly work to develop new techniques and tools to detect and eradicate viruses. Collaboration between experts and the use of artificial intelligence have become vital in the ongoing battle against malware.
0 Comments