Privacy, Security & Virus Information

How a virus is created

This is how a virus is created article is not a guide as to how you can create a virus. In most countries, creating a virus and then distributing it, even for a joke, is a highly illegal act and could land you in a prison. Simply, don't do it.

And for those of you that are tempted, think about a legitimate alternative. Hone your software skills, learn correct computer programming and get yourself a job helping to eliminate the world of the scourge of computer viruses.

Right, lecture over, now a bit about the virus, because a basic understanding of how it works, might help you avoid them.

Most of us understand biological viruses, such as colds, and how they pass from person to person, infecting some, and creating carriers of others. The modern day computer behaves in much the same way. Once a virus has been created, someone, or some computer programme, has to pass it on. A computer virus cannot just transport itself through the air like a germ though; it has to be transmitted digitally, originally via the good old floppy disc, but nowadays via the widespread use of emailing, Broadband connections and computerised networks. These have made it so easy for the virus to spread.

Even if you vetted your computer's software and only loaded programmes that were bug free, as soon as you go onto the internet, your computer is vulnerable. It becomes open to attack.

Now, a virus is basically a piece of coding which has a set number of instructions. It is usually written by a computer programmer, so some knowledge of computer code, such a C++, is necessary. Of course, nowadays, you don't necessarily have to have such knowledge, as some computer programmers have created virus making kits, in which it is possible for a layman to use a specially designed interface and build their own virus.

The virus has to be embedded within another programme so that it can launch. Without a host to facilitate the launch and hide its existence, a virus will struggle to survive.

Early viruses, first gaining recognition in the late 1980s, tended to be a vehicle for individual programmers to show off to their colleagues and peers. The '.look-at-me.' mentality was strong amongst the early programming communities. A virus would then say open up on a particular date, say the programmer's birthday, and say post a card on the screen of every computer it had effected. How clever and amusing! Yet, certain individuals began to see the dark side of computer viruses. Began to realise that they could be used for nefarious purposes.

Then the humble virus became a tool for the more criminal fraternity, who could use the later versions to start causing trouble.

And the word Malware was coined. There are many types of Malware, but the most common are Spyware (robs you of personal information); Adware (puts unwanted advertisements on your screen); Diallers (which makes your computer make expensive phone calls to premium numbers); and, Hijackers (which take over your machine).

And nowadays viruses are commonly spread attached to emails and downloads.

So, beware. As soon as you buy a computer, boot it up, activate a purchased, or pre-loaded internet security programme and never, ever, surf without it running. If you stand around in cyber space naked, you're likely to get more than a chill.

< Back