The Evolution of Computer Viruses

Computer Security Knowledge: The Evolution of Computer Viruses

Destructive, deviant, nefarious and sneaky are just some of the words used to describe computer viruses today. As these bits of malicious programming infiltrate computers across the globe, wreaking havoc on personal and business machines alike, some may wonder just where this negative offshoot of progressive technology got its start.

The rise of computer viruses in their most rudimentary form coincides with advances in this technology. Although malware didn't't gain a formal footing until the 1960s or so, the first “bug” in a computer system was discovered in the 1940s. That's when Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper is credited with calling a moth she found stuck in the relays of two Navy computers a bug in the system. Fixing problems with computers subsequently became known as “debugging.”

One of the first recorded incidents of destructive programming came on the scene in 1962 when Baseline Magazine says programmers at Bell Telephone Labs created a game that destroyed software programs. From that purposeful, yet playful start came other attempts to rework programming for pranks. In 1971, the “Creeper Virus” appeared on ARPANET, the forerunner to today's Internet. This bit of programming replicated itself and displayed a message on infected machines that read: “I'm the Creeper: Catch Me if You Can.”

In 1974, programmers with an eye toward destruction really began to make themselves known. This is when the Rabbit virus first showed up on the scene. This bit of malware replicated itself until an infected machine crashed.

By the 1980s, computer viruses were becoming more prevalent and more destructive. It was in 1983 that the term “computer virus” came onto the scene, a phrase coined by a professor at Lehigh University. Indeed, it was in 1986 that the first “global epidemic” struck the PC platform. The “Brain Virus” put a spotlight on the lack of security on computers while 1987's Vienna Virus was the first global attack meant to destroy data.

As the 1990s progressed, so, too did malicious attacks. With an estimated 300 documented computer viruses reported by 1991, programmers began to strike back. Companies dedicated to protecting machines against attackers began to appear on the scene during this decade. Norton is credited with begin among the first, launching in 1991.

Throughout the 2000s, computer viruses became more sophisticated and targeted. Threats spread to emails, websites, portable devices and other electronics by this time.

 

Sophistication, Targeting Hallmarks of Today's Attacks

Today's threats aren't quite as innocent as the games played in the 1960s and 70s. Modern hackers and cybercriminals now create malware that's sophisticated and designed to serve specific functions. From phishing websites to keystroke loggers there are literally hundreds of known computer-based threats. Some of the biggest trends in this arena today include:

 

The Rise in Mobile Attacks

As more people take their computing on the road via mobile devices such as phones, tablets and laptops, the bad guys are focusing their attention on creating malware that can infiltrate these devices. The intent here is often similar to PC-based attacks – to steal personal information so the bad guys can use it for their own gain.

Threats against mobile devices have become so strong that many companies are turning their attention toward them. Norton, for example, has created a software package meant to put a lock on mobile devices so owners can enjoy them without threat of viral infiltration. The introduction of the free application or “app” market has also created some problems for device owners by providing malware programmers an easy in onto devices.

 

Fighting Back Against Zombies

Zombie computers are machines that have had malware planted on them that enables the bad guys to essentially hijack operations for their own personal gain. One of the biggest threats today involves the ZeroAccess zombie network, which was designed to provide cybercriminals with a worldwide network of computers that can be used to generate money for the bad guys by creating bogus clicks on advertising, among other nefarious functions.
While the antivirus world struck back against ZeroAccess in 2013, with companies such as Norton and Microsoft helping rid infected machines of the malware, this type of threat remains very real.

 

Targeted Attacks

Highly targeted attacks meant to steal personal information, identities and money are also on the rise. With businesses such as The New York Times, Adobe and Bank of America all being targeted in 2013, the increase in precision attacks has been noted by the media and software companies such as Microsoft and Norton. Companies and organizations that want to protect their customers' and members' data need to be on high alert for potential security threats.

 

Protecting Computers in Today's Climate

The evolution of computer viruses tracks steadily with the increase in sophistication and power of computers and programming itself. Protecting computers and the data they store in today's climate calls for a multifaceted approach toward security. Some of the best measures users can take include:

While it's true that antivirus companies continue to up the stakes in regard to protection, the bad guys continue to find new and inventive ways to circumvent security to get at the data they want.

 

 

 

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