Comments on: What Is the Purpose of a Computer Virus? Why Would Someone Make One?

By: Rita Z

Rita Z — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:54:32 +0000

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By: Michael Darnell

Michael Darnell — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:42:06 +0000

Ben has the best answer here. I would also add that there is also a possibility for some virii to allow a hacker to get control of your computer remotely, once there are thousands of infected computers they will then all begin to attack a target, it's kind of like an army of zombies. That being said; Ben has nailed it - There are a few people who are into it for the "art" of it or because they are simply anarchists, or for the "thrill" but primarily it is about stealing accounts, money, identity or valuable business information, and if you don't have that on your machine at least it can be used to infect other computers and eventually help to find or infect a richer target machine.

By: glorygeek

glorygeek — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:13:06 +0000

There are multiple reasons someone might make a virus, some people just want to cause chaos. Others do it as a way to protest things they don't like on the internet, by bringing down the web server. Some people might try to get your bank info from your computer. Also, they could use your hard drive for their own personal storage. All of these things are awful, so don't make malicious software.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:06:24 +0000

1) profit: viruses can sit on your computer and steal your credit card information if you buy something online. They can steal your passwords to every site you log into. Steal enough people's information, and you can make a lot of money selling it on the black market.

2) fame/infamy: there's a whole cracker subculture that reveres people who make these viruses and other malicious programs.

3) for the lulz (play on LOL: laugh out loud). It can be fun sometimes to try and find ways to break programs. Some people go a step farther and have fun exploiting those holes.