The 20 most deadly computer viruses of all time
It is no secret that our lives have become increasingly entwined with technology. In just a few short years, the internet has become a staple in homes and offices around the world. And as our dependence on computers has grown, so too has the threat of viruses.
Computer viruses are malicious software programs that can infect your computer and cause serious damage. They can delete files, corrupt data, and even render your computer unusable.
While there are many different types of computer viruses, some are more dangerous than others. Here is a look at 20 of the most deadly computer viruses of all time.
1. ILOVEYOU
Also known as the Love Bug, ILOVEYOU is a computer virus that infected millions of computers around the world in 2000. The virus was spread through email attachments and caused significant damage, including the deletion of important files and the corruption of data.
2. Melissa
Named after a topless dancer in Florida, Melissa was a virus that spread through email attachments in 1999. The virus would replicate itself and send itself out to the first 50 addresses in the victim’s address book.
3. Code Red
Code Red was a computer worm that infected Microsoft IIS web servers in 2001. The worm would replicate itself and cause the affected server to crash. Code Red was particularly damaging because it caused widespreadDenial of Service attacks.
4. Sasser
Sasser was a computer worm that spread through the Microsoft Windows LSASS vulnerability in 2004. The worm would infect a computer and then try to spread to other computers on the same network. Sasser caused significant damage, particularly to government and business computers.
5. Mydoom
Mydoom was a computer worm that spread through email attachments in 2004. The worm caused a significant amount of damage, including the launch of Denial of Service attacks against major websites. Mydoom is considered to be the fastest-spreading email worm of all time.
6. SoBig
SoBig was a computer virus that spread through email attachments in 2003. The virus caused a significant amount of damage, particularly to businesses. SoBig was notable for its ability to replicate itself and send itself out to hundreds of email addresses.
7. Conficker
Conficker was a computer worm that spread through the Microsoft Windows Server service vulnerability in 2008. The worm would infect a computer and then try to spread to other computers on the same network. Conficker caused significant damage, particularly to government and business computers.
8. WannaCry
WannaCry was a computer worm that spread through the Microsoft Windows SMB vulnerability in 2017. The worm would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. WannaCry caused significant damage, particularly to business computers.
9. Zeus
Zeus was a computer virus that spread through email attachments in 2007. The virus would infect a computer and then try to steal confidential information, such as banking details. Zeus was particularly damaging because it allowed criminals to commit identity theft and fraud.
10. Stuxnet
Stuxnet was a computer worm that spread through the Microsoft Windows Shortcut ‘LNK/PIF’ vulnerabilities in 2010. The worm was designed to target industrial control systems and cause damage to infrastructure. Stuxnet was particularly damaging because it caused physical damage to equipment.
11. Cryptolocker
Cryptolocker was a computer virus that spread through email attachments in 2013. The virus would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. Cryptolocker was particularly damaging because it allowed criminals to extort money from victims.
12. Petya
Petya was a computer worm that spread through the Microsoft Windows MBR vulnerability in 2016. The worm would encrypt the Master Boot Record on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. Petya was particularly damaging because it prevented victims from being able to start their computer.
13. NotPetya
NotPetya was a computer worm that spread through the Microsoft Windows MS17-010 vulnerability in 2017. The worm would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. NotPetya was particularly damaging because it prevented victims from being able to access their data.
14. WannaCry 2.0
WannaCry 2.0 was a computer worm that spread through the Microsoft Windows SMB vulnerability in 2017. The worm would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. WannaCry 2.0 was particularly damaging because it prevented victims from being able to access their data.
15. Bad Rabbit
Bad Rabbit was a computer virus that spread through the traffic hijacking software CCleaner in 2017. The virus would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. Bad Rabbit was particularly damaging because it prevented victims from being able to access their data.
16. Locky
Locky was a computer virus that spread through email attachments in 2016. The virus would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. Locky was particularly damaging because it allowed criminals to extort money from victims.
17. Cerber
Cerber was a computer virus that spread through email attachments in 2016. The virus would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. Cerber was particularly damaging because it allowed criminals to extort money from victims.
18. SamSam
SamSam was a computer virus that spread through the Microsoft Windows RDP vulnerability in 2015. The virus would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. SamSam was particularly damaging because it allowed criminals to extort money from victims.
19. TeslaCrypt
TeslaCrypt was a computer virus that spread through email attachments in 2015. The virus would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. TeslaCrypt was particularly damaging because it allowed criminals to extort money from victims.
20. Ryuk
Ryuk was a computer virus that spread through email attachments in 2018. The virus would encrypt files on the infected computer and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. Ryuk was particularly damaging because it allowed criminals to extort money from victims..See page
A history of the most deadly viruses
Most people think of viruses as something that only makes us sick for a few days at most. However, some viruses have been responsible for some of the deadliest pandemics in history. Here is a brief history of some of the most deadly viruses:
The Plague
The Plague is one of the oldest known viruses and is responsible for some of the most devastating pandemics in history. The most famous outbreak of the Plague was the Black Death which killed an estimated 25 million people in Europe in the 14th century. The Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is typically spread through the bite of fleas carried by rodents. The Plague is still present today and there are around 3,000 cases reported each year, though most of these are in Africa.
Smallpox
Smallpox is another ancient virus that has caused major devastation throughout history. Smallpox is caused by the variola virus and is highly contagious. The disease is characterized by a rash of smallpox pustules which can lead to severe respiratory complications and death. Smallpox was responsible for around 500 million deaths in the 20th century before it was finally eradicated in 1977.
Ebola
Ebola is a relatively new virus but has already caused several major outbreaks. The first recorded outbreak of Ebola occurred in Sudan in 1976 and since then there have been numerous outbreaks in Africa. The Ebola virus is extremely deadly, with a mortality rate of around 50%. Ebola is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals and there is no known cure.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is one of the most deadly viruses in history. While it is not as deadly as some of the other viruses on this list, it has killed more people than any other virus in the last 30 years. HIV/AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and attacks the body’s immune system. HIV is typically spread through sexual contact or contact with infected blood. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS and it is a leading cause of death in Africa.
These are just a few of the deadliest viruses in history. While there are many other deadly viruses, these are some of the most notable. These viruses have killed millions of people and continue to cause major problems in the world today.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about most deadly computer virus. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.