Computer viruses

[kapsee]

Computer viruses tend to grab our attention. On the one hand, viruses show us how vulnerable we are. A properly engineered virus can have an amazing effect on the worldwide Internet. On the other hand, they show how sophisticated and interconnected human beings have become.

For example, experts estimate that the Mydoom worm infected approximately a quarter-million computers in a single day in January 2004. (Times Online). Back in March 1999, the Melissa virus was so powerful that it forced Microsoft and a number of other very large companies to completely turn off their e-mail systems until the virus could be contained.

The ILOVEYOU virus in 2000 had a similarly devastating effect. That's pretty impressive when you consider that the Melissa and ILOVEYOU viruses are incredibly simple.

[sanuanu]

May I know how were they simple. I mean I know they had mad hell lot of mess all over the world but in which sense they were simple. Please do tell me.

[kapsee]

You would be perhaps aware that damaging any application software is far easier than writing one that functions as per the specifications. Similarly, for those who understand System Software it is not a great job writing a damaging piece of software and injecting it into the unsuspecting (or unprotected) domains and setting it free. All one needs is expertise and a queer bent of mind. Writing applications or a device driver is far more involved and time consuming. Luckily for all of us there aren't too many system software experts with that bent of mind.
Kaps