The most dangerous PC viruses of all time
As the world increasingly moves online, so does the risk of falling victim to a computer virus. While some viruses are little more than nuisances, others can cause serious harm to your computer – and in some cases, even your health.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most dangerous computer viruses of all time. We’ll also provide some tips on how to protect yourself from becoming infected.
1. ILOVEYOU
ILOVEYOU is a computer virus that infected over 50 million computers in just a few days in May 2000. The virus was spread via email, with users tricked into opening a file attachment that contained the virus.
Once opened, the virus would replicate itself and send itself to everyone in the victim’s address book. The virus would also overwrite important system files, making it difficult to recover from.
In total, the ILOVEYOU virus is estimated to have caused billions of dollars in damage.
2. CryptoLocker
CryptoLocker is a type of virus known as ransomware. Once infected, the virus will encrypt important files on your computer and demand a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them.
CryptoLocker is particularly dangerous as there is no guaranteed way to decrypt the files without paying the ransom. This means that even if you have a backup of your files, you may not be able to access them.
3. WannaCry
WannaCry is a ransomware virus that caused global havoc in May 2017. The virus spread quickly, due to a security flaw in Microsoft Windows, infecting over 200,000 computers in 150 countries.
One of the main targets of the WannaCry virus was the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. The virus caused widespread disruption, with hospitals forced to cancel appointments and divert patients to other facilities.
4. Sasser
Sasser is a self-replicating virus that first appeared in 2004. Unlike most viruses, which spread via email or infected websites, Sasser spread by taking advantage of a security flaw in Microsoft Windows.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would attempt to spread to other computers on the same network. This made Sasser particularly dangerous for businesses and organizations, where a single infected computer could quickly infect a whole network of computers.
5. MyDoom
MyDoom is a virus that was first discovered in 2004. The virus spread quickly, becoming the fastest-spreading email virus at the time.
MyDoom was particularly notable for the damage it caused. As well as causing infected computers to crash and sending out emails without the user’s knowledge, the virus also installed a “backdoor” on the victim’s computer. This backdoor allowed the virus author to gain remote access to the computer, giving them the ability to steal information or install other software.
6. Storm Worm
The Storm Worm is a virus that first appeared in 2007. The virus gets its name from theSubject line of the email that spreads the infection: “230 dead as storm batters Europe”.
The Storm Worm is notable for its ability to spread via instant messaging and social networking, as well as email. Once a computer is infected, the virus will send messages to all of the victim’s contacts, tricking them into clicking on a link that will infect their computer too.
7. Conficker
Conficker is a virus that was first discovered in 2008. The virus takes advantage of a flaw in Microsoft Windows to spread itself and infect new computers.
Once a computer is infected, the virus will disable security features and make it difficult to visit certain websites. The virus will also install a “backdoor”, allowing the attacker to gain remote access to the computer.
8. Flame
Flame is a virus that was first discovered in 2012. The virus is notable for its complexity, with some experts estimating that it took a team of at least 50 people over two years to create.
Flame is primarily a spying tool, with the ability to steal sensitive information, including photos, emails, and even keystrokes. The virus can also record audio and take screenshots, giving the attacker a comprehensive view of what is happening on the victim’s computer.
9. Stuxnet
Stuxnet is a virus that was first discovered in 2010. The virus is notable for being the first malware that was designed to physically damage a target.
Stuxnet was designed to specifically target industrial equipment, such as centrifuges. The virus would infect the equipment and then cause it to spin faster or slower than it should, eventually leading to the equipment breaking down.
It is believed that Stuxnet was used to damage Iranian nuclear facilities.
10. Zeus
Zeus is a virus that was first discovered in 2007. The virus is designed to steal sensitive information, such as login details and credit card numbers.
Zeus is notable for its ability to infect both PCs and Macs. The virus can also infect smartphone, allowing the attacker to steal information from the victim’s mobile device.
Tips to protect yourself from viruses
There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming infected with a virus:
Install a reputable antivirus program and keep it up-to-date.
Don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know.
Don’t click on links in emails or instant messages from people you don’t know.
Be careful what websites you visit. Avoid websites that are known to distribute viruses.
Keep your operating system and software up-to-date.
If you think you may be infected with a virus, run a scan with your antivirus program and then contact a professional for help.Original Content
The most dangerous PC viruses of 2019
Most dangerous PC viruses of 2019
The most dangerous PC viruses of 2019 are a mixed bag. Some are new, and some have been around for a while. All of them, however, have the potential to do serious damage to your computer.
The first on our list is the WannaCry ransomware. This virus made headlines in 2017 when it infected hundreds of thousands of computers around the world, including those of the UK’s National Health Service. WannaCry encrypts your files and demands a ransom in order to decrypt them. It’s particularly dangerous because it can spread itself automatically, without any user interaction.
Another dangerous virus is Cryptolocker. This one has been around since 2013, but it’s still going strong. Cryptolocker encrypts your files and demands a ransom in order to decrypt them. It’s different from WannaCry in that it doesn’t spread automatically – you have to download it yourself, usually by clicking on a malicious email attachment.
Another virus that made headlines in 2019 is Emotet. This one is a bit different from the others on our list, in that it doesn’t directly damage your computer. Instead, it Steals your information and then uses it to send out spam emails – which can, in turn, infect other computers. Emotet is particularly dangerous because it’s very difficult to remove once it’s infected your computer.
And finally, we have the Zeus virus. This one is a bit different from the others, in that it’s not a virus at all – it’s a piece of malware that’s used to steal your banking information. Zeus is usually installed without your knowledge, usually when you download another piece of malicious software. It then lies in wait, until you try to log into your online bank account. at which point it Steals your login details.
These are just a few of the most dangerous viruses around at the moment. Remember to always be vigilant when using your computer, and to install a good antivirus program to protect yourself.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about most dangerous pc viruses. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.