What is the most dangerous computer virus in the world?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the definition of “dangerous”. However, if we take a look at the most damaging and disruptive viruses in history, the following come to mind:
1. Melissa (1999)
Named after a Florida stripper, Melissa was a self-replicating virus that quickly spread via email attachments. Once opened, the virus would replicate itself and send infected emails to the first 50 contacts in the victim’s Microsoft Outlook address book. The email would have the subject line “Important Message from [name]” in an attempt to trick recipients into opening the attachment.
While relatively harmless compared to some of the other viruses on this list, Melissa caused estimated damages of $80 million and brought down major email servers including those of Intel and Microsoft.
2. ILOVEYOU (2000)
ILOVEYOU, also known as Love Letter, is a computer worm that affected millions of Windows users in 2000. Like Melissa, ILOVEYOU spread via email attachments but with much more malicious intent.
Once opened, the virus would replicate itself and send infected emails to all contacts in the victim’s address book. It would then proceed to delete critical system files, rendering the infected computer useless. In total, ILOVEYOU is estimated to have caused $5.5 billion in damages.
3. Code Red (2001)
Code Red was a worm that exploited a buffer overflow vulnerability in Microsoft’s IIS web server software. Once inside a network, the worm would scan for other vulnerable systems and infect them. The worm would then proceed to launch a DDoS attack against the White House website.
While Code Red was relatively short-lived and only caused an estimated $2 million in damages, it did serve as a wake-up call for the need for better security in web server software.
4. Nimda (2001)
Nimda (admin spelled backwards) is a computer worm that quickly spread across the internet just one month after the release of Code Red. Nimda used a variety of methods to spread itself, making it one of the most destructive and disruptive viruses in history.
Nimda was estimated to have caused $6 billion in damages and was responsible for bringing down major websites including those of the FBI and NASA.
5. Slammer (2003)
Slammer was a computer worm that exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft’s SQL Server 2000 software. Once inside a network, the worm would scan for other vulnerable systems and infect them. The worm would then proceed to launch a DDoS attack against any address it could find.
Slammer caused a major disruption to the internet, with an estimated 75,000 computers infected within 10 minutes of the worm’s release. The worm caused an estimated $1 billion in damages and was responsible for bringing down major websites and services such as Banks, Airlines, and News Agencies.
6. SoBig (2003)
SoBig was a computer worm that spread via email attachments and infected Windows computers. Once inside a system, the worm would disable security software and replicate itself, sending infected emails to any addresses it could find.
SoBig caused an estimated $37 billion in damages and was responsible for bringing down major email servers and networks.
7. MyDoom (2004)
MyDoom was a computer worm that spread via email attachments and infected Windows computers. Once inside a system, the worm would disable security software and replicate itself, sending infected emails to any addresses it could find.
MyDoom was responsible for the largest DDoS attack in history, with an estimated 20% of all internet traffic directed at the target website. The worm caused an estimated $38 billion in damages and was responsible for bringing down major email servers and networks.
8. Sasser (2004)
Sasser was a computer worm that exploited a vulnerability in the Windows operating system. Once inside a system, the worm would replicate itself and launch a Denial of Service attack against any computers it could find.
Sasser caused an estimated $18.5 billion in damages and was responsible for bringing down major networks and computers around the world.
9. Zeus (2010)
Zeus is a computer worm that targets the Windows operating system. Once inside a system, the worm will collect sensitive information such as login credentials and banking information. The worm then proceeds to send this information back to the attacker, allowing them to steal money from the victim’s bank account.
Zeus has been used in a number of high-profile attacks including the theft of $3 million from a US bank and the theft of $1 million from a UK bank. The worm is estimated to have caused $100 million in damages.
10. WannaCry (2017)
WannaCry is a ransomware virus that spread rapidly across the internet, affecting over 230,000 computers in 150 countries. The virus encrypted user files and demanded a ransom of $300 in Bitcoin to decrypt them.
While the perpetrators only made an estimated $140,000 from the attack, WannaCry caused an estimated $4 billion in damages. The virus also caused a major disruption to the UK’s National Health Service, with hospitals and GP surgeries forced to cancel appointments and turn away patients.
These are just 10 of the most dangerous computer viruses in the world. There are many more that have caused significant damage, disruption, and financial loss. As our dependence on technology increases, so too does the risk of falling victim to a malicious virus. It is important to stay informed and practice good security hygiene to protect yourself and your data.
What are the most dangerous computer viruses in the world?
Most dangerous computer viruses:
1. WannaCry: This virus spread quickly across the globe in 2017, encrypting data and demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin. It caused widespread damage, affecting more than 230,000 computers in 150 countries.
2. NotPetya: This virus also hit in 2017 and was designed to look like the Petya ransomware. However, researchers believe its true purpose was to cause destruction, rather than make money. It hit Ukraine particularly hard, affecting banks, energy firms and critical infrastructure.
3. ILOVEYOU: This virus appeared in 2000 and quickly spread via email attachments, infecting millions of computers. It caused damage estimated at $5.5 billion, making it one of the most costly viruses in history.
4. Stuxnet: This virus was likely created by the US and Israel to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program. It spread through USB drives and eventually took over industrial control systems, causing physical damage to centrifuges.
5. DarkTeal: This virus was discovered in 2018 and is one of the most sophisticated pieces of malware ever found. It is designed to steal information from infected computers and has been linked to the North Korean government.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about most dangerous computer virus in the world. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.