Computer Viruses: Why Do People Create Them?

It takes days of continual desk-jockey nerd work to program a computer virus that can spread around the world in a blink. So why bother? Money, displaying their skill, or simply being a jerk. Contrary to what you may think, the money aspect is interesting.

Here's how computer viruses are making these jerks money:

Theft of Bank Accounts

Virus writers are glad to steal your bank account login or credit card information. They can either steal your money or use your credit card to shop. But sometimes they just sell your details to the highest bidder.

Ransomware

Viruses might encrypt your files and demand payment for the decryption code. You're at their mercy without a solid backup plan. You'll be given instructions on how to pay and a deadline before your files are permanently erased.

Ad Swappers

They construct a virus that either displays intrusive adverts on websites you visit or affiliate codes on pages so that when you buy anything legitimately – like from Amazon – they get a commission. Getting a kickback doesn't increase your purchase price, and you may not even realize it.

Bitcoin Mining

You may have heard of digital currencies, but did you realize you can earn them by processing data? But ‘renting' your computer's processing power means paying more than you make – unless you're clever and sly enough to install a virus to rent out other people's machines.

Botnets

Virus creators can remotely influence infected machines to perform their bidding. Affected machines are frequently programmed to overrun a target web server, such as an e-commerce store. It's done as vengeance, but more often as blackmail. The ‘Botmaster' demands thousands of dollars or he will crash your site on special shopping days like Black Friday.

Account Stealing

You may be forced to pay for someone else's entertainment if your Netflix or Hulu account is compromised. However, some viruses target online gaming accounts. All those digital stuff (special apparel, weaponry, etc.) can be taken from your account and sold on the black market.

Conclusion

I hope now you have a better understanding of the monetary motivations of the jerks behind these computer viruses and why they may take the time to create them.

Most of my articles are related to business IT, but I also enjoy writing articles like this for the general public. Visit ITSM RHINO for additional information.

Thank you for reading and please leave any comments or questions.