Today we will learn about another virus that appeared in 2004, infecting millions of computers and causing billions of dollars in damage. We are talking about Netsky, a self-replicating computer program (worm) that was designed to attack Windows computer systems.
The first variant of the virus appeared on February 16, 2004. The Netsky.B variant, which was released a few days later, was the first member of the family to spread massively. A number of new and advanced Netsky variants followed, with the “D” variant being notable, as was the “P” variant, which remained at the top of the list of most prevalent viruses for two years.
[alert variation=”alert-info”]The spread potential of Netsky.D was significantly greater than other variants of the virus, as this strain had the ability to launch up to 8 processes in memory to send itself via e-mail. This feature made this variant particularly dangerous for corporate environments, as it had the ability to quickly cause the collapse of computer networks.[/alert]
Netsky spread through fraudulent emails, which tricked recipients into opening an attached file. After opening the file, the attached program would scan the computer for email addresses and the same email would be sent to all addresses on the affected computer.
[signoff icon=”icon-target”]Written in C++, the virus spread rapidly and caused a large number of infections around the world.[/signoff]
Netsky is the brainchild of a 17-year-old hacker who will forever be associated with some of the biggest viruses in the history of the internet. Sven Jaschan, creator of the devastating Sasser worm, also became famous for creating a program to eliminate the Mydoom and Bagle bugs, and has also won a $250,000 prize in a Microsoft contest.
And here we come to the end of our article today. We renew our appointment for next Tuesday with another deadly virus to be discussed.
Stay tuned to Secnews!
