Computer viruses were once a big threat, but now they are not as common. The first virus was created in 1971, and viruses became more dangerous over time.
00:18 Computer viruses are no longer a major threat to most users.
02:02 Computer viruses have evolved from harmless experiments to deadly threats
03:32 Computer viruses became an actual international threat with the internet.
05:12 Computer virus era eradication
06:45 The evolution of browser security and the eradication of downloading medium
08:23 Cybersecurity became a top priority for companies, resulting in increased spending, talented engineers, and even bribery to prevent exploits.
09:59 Viruses are now created for financial gain rather than just causing chaos.
11:31 Traditional computer viruses have become a thing of the past
Detailed Summary for Whatever Happened To Computer Viruses? by Merlin
00:18 Computer viruses are no longer a major threat to most users.
– Antivirus protection used to be necessary but now many people do not purchase it.
– Data breaches and hacks are still common, indicating that computers still have vulnerabilities.
02:02 Computer viruses have evolved from harmless experiments to deadly threats
– The first virus, Creeper, was not designed with malicious intent and had an antidote called Reaper
– Hackers started reverse engineering code, leading to more deadly viruses like Brain and Michelangelo
03:32 Computer viruses became an actual international threat with the internet.
– Michelangelo and CIH were two of the earliest and most damaging computer viruses.
– Melissa was the first prominent internet virus, distributed through email.
05:12 Computer virus era eradication
– Computer viruses could spread through shared storage devices and the internet. The internet made floppy disks and USB sticks less necessary, leading to the end of the storage device medium. Improvements in internet security over time also helped.
– The ditching of Internet Explorer in 2004 was a significant event in internet security. Internet Explorer had serious security vulnerabilities, and its market share peaked at 95% before its decline.
06:45 The evolution of browser security and the eradication of downloading medium
– Internet Explorer allowed for VB script execution, which gave access to the computer and made it vulnerable to nefarious tasks.
– Google’s lack of support for VB script made viruses virtually useless.
– Constant over the air updates became a thing, which did wonders for computer security.
08:23 Cybersecurity became a top priority for companies, resulting in increased spending, talented engineers, and even bribery to prevent exploits.
– Companies built entire cybersecurity departments with highly paid engineers.
– Google and Apple offer large sums of money to hackers to prevent exploits.
– Users have become more tech-savvy in protecting their devices.
– Internet usage has become more focused on reputable companies, resulting in a significantly lower chance of being exposed to viruses.
– The number of threats and bad actors is larger than ever.
09:59 Viruses are now created for financial gain rather than just causing chaos.
– Hackers now use viruses to steal data and operate cyber crime rings.
– Targeting institutions for data exploitation is more profitable than targeting everyday users.
– A successful virus should not inhibit any functionality and collect data permanently.
11:31 Traditional computer viruses have become a thing of the past
– Increased cybersecurity threats aim to steal data and sell it for millions
– Hackers can transact insane amounts of money with ease through cryptocurrency