KC Computers

Top 10 Worst Computer Viruses

Written by admin on April 6th, 2011

Computer viruses are simply a nightmare. There are some with hacking skills capable of stealing personal information, while others are simply obstructive, capable of wiping out information and deleting files from the hard drive. Further, viruses can also completely block applications from running and prevent the computer from accessing any file. What is even worse is that many computer viruses are designed to replicate themselves and they can spread out to other computer systems through the internet or mailing systems. For those who are wondering why people are extremely worried about such, the fuss is all worth it. It is estimated that in 2008 alone, around $8.5 billion was lost due to computer infections. While viruses are just one type of online threat, they are the most prominent. The following list provides some of the most prolific virus to hit the computer market.

1.The CIH Virus (1998). The CIH virus was introduced back in 1998 and was said to have affected numerous computer systems. Vast amounts of computer data were destroyed and the estimated damage was around $80 million from all over the world. The virus came from Taiwan and was released around June. The CIH virus had been very detrimental due to its ability to overwrite data. Further, it can also overwrite the host’s BIOS which prevent booting procedures to push through.

2. Melissa (1999). Melissa, allegedly named after an exotic Floridian dancer, is considered one of the most damaging viruses to date. The estimated damage it caused to computer systems and corporations was around $1 billion. The virus specifically targeted computer systems using Microsoft Word versions 1997 and 2000. The virus stated as a mass e-mail process which spread over the first 50 contacts available in a person’s email address.

3. ILOVEYOU (2000). The I Love You virus was the brainchild of two students from the Philippines. Masquerading as a love letter from a secret admirer, It is one of the most famous viruses to be ever after it attacked millions of computers. Nearly 10% of computers using the internet were affected and damages were valued at $5.5 to $8.7 billion. The virus specifically targeted computer systems using Microsoft OS.

4. Code Red (2001). Code Red virus came in two forms Code Red and Code Red II. Both are classified as worms and damage caused is valued at $2 billion. The virus effectively created a back door to computers, allowing remote users to assume control. From the time it was released, the virus was said to leave in its wake an estimated damage rate of $200 million per day. Code Red was released in July 2001 and had detrimental self replicating abilities.

5. SQL Slammer (2003). The SQL Slammer brought the Korean online community to its knees and prevented online access for 12 hours. The virus was able to double its number of victims every few seconds, affecting 500,000 serves in total. Take note that the virus was able to infect not just computers but the servers themselves. It is a very small virus, a 376-byte worm, but its effects were exponentially damaging.

6. MSBlast (2003). This virus caused around $2 to $10 billion in damage, infecting more than one hundred thousand computers in different parts of the world. Following Microsoft’s announcement of certain vulnerabilities in its operating system, the virus was released. Six months after the virus was introduced, more than 25 million hosts were still affected. The MSBlast virus contained the mocking message, “Billy Gates, why do you make this possible? Stop making money and fix your software!”

7. Sobig (2003). More than 500,000 computer units have been affected by Sobig when it was released in 2003. Consumer losses were computed at $1 billion. The virus spread like wildfire as an e-mail attachment and began infecting once it was downloaded and opened.

8. Sasser (2004). Sasser reportedly caused tens of millions of dollars in damage and was even able to bring down satellite communications systems in various news agencies in France. Flights were affected and cancelled while companies from different parts of the world worked to shutdown their systems to prevent further damage.

9. MyDoom (2004). MyDoom affected around 10% of internet users and slowed internet programs and functions by as much as 50%. The virus spread throughout the online community as an e-mail. Once the attachment in the email was clicked, computer systems the infection began.

10. Bagle (2004). The Bagle was also reported to cause around more than ten million dollars worth of damage. Just like the rest of the viruses mentioned, the Bagle was able to infect computers through an e-mail attachment. It also had self-replicating capabilities, making it nigh impossible to remove.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 6th, 2011 at 8:00 am and is filed under Internet, Top 10. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.