Why people write computer viruses

Dom · Aug 24, 2003, 03:44 AM

The kind of person who creates such disruption differs in age, income, location, social/peer interaction, educational level, likes, dislikes and communication style, according to Sarah Gordon renowned expert in computer viruses and security technology.

The stereotypical image of a spotty "Kevin the Teenager" virus creator, the schoolboy who has the tools to do it and something to prove, still largely prevails.

There is however, an increasingly sinister side to the virus writer.

Motivated by financial gain, they are more and more likely to be working with spammers and hackers, says Paul Wood, chief security analyst at MessageLabs.

"The money is coming from the spammers and we are seeing evidence that they are starting to employ the best of breed virus writers to help them.

"It sounds like a conspiracy theory, but they are becoming very advanced now in organised hi-tech criminal activity," he told BBC News Online.

This is evident in Sobig F, which turnings a computer into a host to send out millions of spam e-mails, often without the owner's knowledge.

Read More...

Esaz666 · Aug 24, 2003, 11:34 AM

Some people who write virus's just do it to cause disruption.
and to see how much they can spread.
I think these theories regarding organised crime etc. are just
spin so the authorities can get tougher laws.
Virus's are the work of hackers and not criminals.

***craig5320*** · Aug 25, 2003, 06:22 AM

They should all have there bollox's or appropriate limb trapped in between my boot and the pavement as I hit them with a spike bat *cough* hehe

The_Neon_Cowboy · Aug 25, 2003, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by craig5320
They should all have there bollox's or appropriate limb trapped in between my boot and the pavement as I hit them with a spike bat *cough* hehe

shotgun gun to the back of the head would do the job.....but to thier nuts

first bang...

~~HawK~~ · Aug 25, 2003, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Esaz666
Some people who write virus's just do it to cause disruption.
and to see how much they can spread.
I think these theories regarding organised crime etc. are just
spin so the authorities can get tougher laws.
Virus's are the work of hackers and not criminals.

Just like in the "outside world", noone is allowed to cause disruption, like throwing stones in to glasswindows, or setting fire, and sometimes even get paid to do this "disruption" for whatever reason.
And yes they should be aware they are damaging people/busnisses.
So yes these are criminals and should get their punishment.

patje · Aug 25, 2003, 10:21 AM

the question is not WHY, the question is WHAT should they do to virus creators.
Why people commit crime?? 10 thousands of reason, but not a single one is justified.
I think most creators do it to get fame. even without people knowing who created let's say the Sobig virus.
I'm sure the creator got a big kick out of, and should be kicked twice as hard.

on the other hand, crime will always exist and so will virusses. no mather how you fight it.
If you sentence murderers to the death penalty, murders will still occur. Some people just don't get it and have no respect for life whatsoever.

The mofo who created the Nachi worm had me working 18 hours in a day (and i guess i'm not the only one), of course he didn't thought of that, he probably tought it would be "cool" to release a virus. Hang the bastard ! or leave me in a room with this guy for 5 minutes and lock the door so i can unleash my anger.

Aug 24, 2003, 03:44 AM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	Why people write computer viruses The kind of person who creates such disruption differs in age, income, location, social/peer interaction, educational level, likes, dislikes and communication style, according to Sarah Gordon renowned expert in computer viruses and security technology. The stereotypical image of a spotty "Kevin the Teenager" virus creator, the schoolboy who has the tools to do it and something to prove, still largely prevails. There is however, an increasingly sinister side to the virus writer. Motivated by financial gain, they are more and more likely to be working with spammers and hackers, says Paul Wood, chief security analyst at MessageLabs. "The money is coming from the spammers and we are seeing evidence that they are starting to employ the best of breed virus writers to help them. "It sounds like a conspiracy theory, but they are becoming very advanced now in organised hi-tech criminal activity," he told BBC News Online. This is evident in Sobig F, which turnings a computer into a host to send out millions of spam e-mails, often without the owner's knowledge. Read More...

Aug 25, 2003, 06:22 AM	#3
*craig5320* HH Administrator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 8,578 Rep Power: 445 System Specs	They should all have there bollox's or appropriate limb trapped in between my boot and the pavement as I hit them with a spike bat cough hehe __________________ HardwareHeaven on Facebook

Aug 25, 2003, 10:21 AM	#6
patje Former Mobility Modman Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Belgium / Antwerp Posts: 1,475 Rep Power: 66	the question is not WHY, the question is WHAT should they do to virus creators. Why people commit crime?? 10 thousands of reason, but not a single one is justified. I think most creators do it to get fame. even without people knowing who created let's say the Sobig virus. I'm sure the creator got a big kick out of, and should be kicked twice as hard. on the other hand, crime will always exist and so will virusses. no mather how you fight it. If you sentence murderers to the death penalty, murders will still occur. Some people just don't get it and have no respect for life whatsoever. The mofo who created the Nachi worm had me working 18 hours in a day (and i guess i'm not the only one), of course he didn't thought of that, he probably tought it would be "cool" to release a virus. Hang the bastard ! or leave me in a room with this guy for 5 minutes and lock the door so i can unleash my anger. __________________

Aug 24, 2003, 11:34 AM	#2
Esaz666 BeardHeaven Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Uk,Earth,Universe,3rd dimention Posts: 298 Rep Power: 59	Some people who write virus's just do it to cause disruption. and to see how much they can spread. I think these theories regarding organised crime etc. are just spin so the authorities can get tougher laws. Virus's are the work of hackers and not criminals.