What is the most destructive computer virus in history?
The computer virus known as “Melissa” is widely considered to be the most destructive in history. Released in 1999, it quickly spread throughout the world via email, infecting an estimated 1 million computers and causing an estimated $80 million in damages. The virus was so destructive that it forced many businesses to shut down their email systems completely in order to prevent it from spreading any further. While there have been other viruses that have caused more damage in terms of financial losses, none have been as far-reaching or as destructive as Melissa.
What are computer viruses and how do they work?
Most people have heard of computer viruses, but many do not know what they are or how they work. A virus is a type of malware that is designed to spread from one computer to another. Virus writers, also known as “black hat” hackers, create viruses with the specific goal of causing damage or disrupting computer systems.
A virus is typically spread by email attachments or by downloading files from untrustworthy websites. When a user opens an email attachment or downloads a file containing a virus, the virus code executes and the virus begins to spread. The virus will spread to any other computers that the infected user has access to, including any networks or external storage devices that are connected.
Viruses can have a wide range of effects, from causing minor annoyance to causing serious damage. Some viruses are designed to delete files or corrupt data, while others may hijack email accounts and send out spam messages. In some cases, a virus can even give a hacker remote access to a computer, allowing them to steal sensitive information or wreak havoc on the system.
The best way to protect against computer viruses is to install and maintain reliable antivirus software. Antivirus software works by scanning files and email attachments for known virus signatures. If a virus is detected, the software will either delete the infected file or quarantine it to prevent it from spreading. It is also important to practice safe browsing habits and to avoid downloading files from untrustworthy sources.
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