A virus is defined as small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms(Wikipedia). The same term applies to anything that disrupt, destruct and corrupt files in a computer. Software security companies created defense mechanism against these threats. Using an effective antivirus or All-in-One Suite is the best way to keep computers free from viruses. But there are variants that even prevention systems or softwares that could not stop them from from damaging system files and thus affecting large numbers of companies(government or privately owned) and Universities.
The list below are the most dangerous computer viruses in history.
- Downadup - 2009
Computers that run unpatched versions of Microsoft's Operating System is greatly affected by this virus. It use flaws in the said operating system in spreading across the web. F-secure stated that that the virus has infected 3.5 million computers worldwide that hit countries like China, Brazil and Russia the most. It has the ability to download a destructive code from a random drop point.
- Nimda - 2001
Branded as one of the most complicated virus with five methods of infecting computers and can duplicate itself. It spreads right after the September 11 tragedy.
- Code Red Worm - July 2001
The official website of the white house has been targeted by this virus. It uses all the power of the penetrated computers running Microsoft NT and Windows 2000 Server software against the said website. The virus has been decoded in a joint effort of the White House and Tech Firms.
- I love You - May 2000
The source of the virus was traced in the Philippines. It was created by a young Filipino student. The infected computers receives an email with an attachment that said "LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.txt.vbs". When activated it overwrites files on the host collecting usernames and passwords which were sent sent back to the developer of the virus. The young man was released due to an inadequate law in the Philippines that would prevent hacking and spreading malware.
- Melissa - 1999
It has the ability to mass mail itself from Microsoft 97 and Outlook 98. It shuts down Internet Mail System. It serves as keys to unlocking 90 pornographic websites. The virus got it's name from a lap dancer that David L. Smith, the virus creator, acknowledged with while in Florida.
- Solar Sunrise - 1998
Hackers use this virus to penetrate and took control of over 500 computer system that belong to the army, government and private sector of the U.S. It targets operating system running Sun Solaris.Other top-level viruses are:
- Morris (aka Internet worm) - November 1998
- Jerusalem - 1987
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