Who Invented Computer Viruses?

The concept of computer viruses, also known as malware, has been around for decades, spreading fear and anxiety among computer users worldwide. But who exactly is responsible for inventing this digital menace? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of computer viruses and explore the story of their inventor.

The Birth of the Computer Virus

The term “computer virus” was first coined by Fred Cohen, an American computer scientist, in 1983. Cohen, then a graduate student at the University of Southern California, was working on a project to create a program that could spread from computer to computer, mimicking the spread of a biological virus.

Cohen’s creation, known as the “Creeper” virus, was designed to infect and replicate itself on computer systems. The virus was simple, yet effective, and was able to spread quickly, infecting several computers at the university. While the virus was eventually contained, it marked the beginning of the era of computer viruses.

The First Malicious Virus

In 1986, the first malicious computer virus was created by a 17-year-old German student named Bernd Fix. Fix, who went by the pseudonym “Pengo,” created a virus called the “Elk Cloner,” which infected Apple II computers and displayed a message reading, “A program, which replicates itself, will now spread from disk to disk.”

The Elk Cloner virus was the first to spread through a network, rather than through a physical medium, and was able to infect computers connected to the university network. Fix’s creation was considered one of the first “computer worm” viruses, which use networks to spread rather than relying on human interaction.

The Rise of Malware

The invention of computer viruses and malware marked the beginning of a new era in computer security threats. As computers became more widespread and connected, the opportunities for malware spreaders to wreak havoc increased.

In the 1990s, the rise of the internet made it easier for malware to spread globally, and the term “virus” became synonymous with the destructive power of malware. From the “I Love You” virus in 2000 to the “Conficker” worm in 2008, malware had become a major concern for computer users and IT professionals worldwide.

Conclusion

The invention of computer viruses and malware has had a profound impact on the world of computer security. From the initial creation by Fred Cohen to the rise of malicious viruses like the Elk Cloner, the evolution of malware has been marked by a steady stream of innovations and exploits.

While the creators of these digital menace may have been motivated by a desire to push the boundaries of what was possible, their creations have put countless computer users and systems at risk. As we continue to navigate the constantly evolving landscape of computer security, it’s essential to remember the origins of malware and to remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent and combat these digital threats.

References

• Cohen, F. (1984). “Computer Viruses: Theory and Experiments.” Computer 17(5), 36-44.
• “The History of Malware.” SANS Institute.
• “The Evolution of Malware.” IBM Security.