1949

Specifically, since 1949 it is possible to conduct the counting of the history of computer viruses. The matter was in THE USA. Scientific John von Neumann, Hungarian on the origin, that worked in one of the universities, developed mathematical theory on the creation of the self-producing algorithms. The results of his studies were published in several specialized periodicals. However, it is worthwhile to note for the validity that data of work did not cause special stir and remained absolutely unnoticed surrounding, with exception of the small circle of scientist-mathematicians.

The only practical use of theory of Neumann proved to be the entertainment, which devised themselves for themselves mathematics, the working in the scientific research center companies Bell. They were absorbed in by the creation of the specific routines, sole purpose of which was removal in each other of virtual space. In these "gladiators" was for the first time used the function of spontaneous propagation - required sign of any computer virus.

End of the 60th - beginning of the 70th

The theory of Neumann in practice nowhere was used for twenty years. However, it is approximately at the end of the 60th annual they appeared the first communications about the genuine computer viruses. At that time them wrote the programmers simply so, for the entertainment or the "test of forces". Specifically, similar was the very first known virus Pervading Animal. It did not carry out any destructive actions, yes even infected altogether only one computer (Univax 1108), on which it was created. However, precisely this virus is the "ancestor" of entire today's variety of harmful programs.

By the way, viruses then appeared not only as a result of the previously planned actions, but also by chance. The active development of the new methods of programming occurred at that time. Therefore sometimes as a result of errors in the code program began "to live its life", I copy itself on the accumulator or remaining to work in the memory of machine. Such "viruses" did not carry out destructive actions; however, occupied the system resources of computer. Well and if we consider the volumes of accumulators existed at that time and working storage, then it becomes understandable that this problem was sufficient serious.

1975

This yr can be considered the date of the generation of antivirus programs. Everything began from the appearance of the first net virus The Creeper, which uses Telnet. The danger of the propagation of this infection was sufficiently great, and therefore for the protection was written specific routine The Reeper. A unique armaments drive between the viruses and the antivirus began from this point on.

Beginning of the 80th

The first mass viruses appear at this time. However, they work only on computers Apple. By the way, for their propagation for the first time was used one of the most popular methods - pirate games. Users copied in each other different programs (good at that time they were placed on the diskettes), and together with them and viruses. And since antivirus software at that time in effect not it was, number of victims was is sufficiently great.

1986

This yr was marked by the appearance of the first virus for computers IBM - The Brain, which was sufficiently widely radiated 0 0N throughout the world. But that the most interesting, the authors, two Pakistani programmers, created it exclusively with the good intentions. The fact is that they worked in the company, which carries out development PO. And in order although to somehow punish local pirates, programmers wrote this virus. They even left their names and telephones so that the disturbers would understand, who presented to them "gift". However, toy proved to be too dangerous. The propagation of virus left from under the control, and harmful program rapidly was extended in all countries.

Virus The Brain made ready much noise. Strictly speaking, precisely, from this point on, to the computer viruses focused attention not only the specialized publications on the information safety, but also the periodicals, calculated for the usual users. Well and universal stir whipped immediately several different companies to the creation of special antivirus programs.

1988

At the end of the 80th is annual past century actively it were developed network ARPANET - the ancestor of the contemporary Internet. And precisely it served as medium for the rapid propagation of the "worm", written by American programmer. Infected proved to be almost six thousand computers throughout America. But 1988 it is significant even not appearance of a net virus, but fact that its author appeared before the justice. Punishment was not too severe (penalty in $10 thousand and three years of qualifying period); however, was created the first precedent, which repeatedly was used in the future. One additional plus of judicial trial proved to be attraction to the problem of the viruses of non-computed press, including serious business publications. Sensation around the law court proved to be the outstanding advertisement of the antivirus programs, whose development actively continued.

1989

In general, this yr is significant by the appearance of the Internet. However, in the virus history of no events it occurred. Well, perhaps that is noted the first serious punishment for the creation of harmful program. It was dedicated to the author of the virus, which shut access to the entire information on the hard disk, and on screen was placed communication with the requirement to transfer the specific sum to the calculation in the bank indicated. And many people actually paid! However, was located those, who turned themselves into the police. Assembled by the guards of order evidences was sufficient to that in order to condemn the author of virus for the extortion.

However, in other respects everything went by its turn. New viruses appeared, antivirus software was improved. More and more than companies they occurred begun to operate in this fight. Gradually the theme of computer viruses became of ever of more popular in different press. Business publications attempted to calculate losses from the harmful programs and to predict that it will be in the future. Furthermore, at this time appeared the first books, dedicated to computer viruses.

Middle of the 90th

Viruses continue actively to be improved. Many people deal with writing harmful programs. In THE USA large scandal caused the case, when 12- summer boy wrote the virus, which struck the computers of the White House. Furthermore, at this time is fixed the appearance of "time bombs", which are multiplied, but they appear in no way to the specific date. It is also in the middle of the 90th annual the victims of the viruses several times they became people, which obtain from the important companies any information on the diskettes. In particular, corporation Microsoft once sent out Beta-Testers the infected version Windows 95.

In the middle of the 90th the fight against the viruses actively is conducted. They begin to pursue their authors already 0 0N throughout the world. In some countries, in particular in THE USA and Great Britain, passed a number of loud court trials. All accused were finished by the penalties, whose sizes gradually grew. Antiviral ON constantly continues to be improved and begins to successfully resist propagation and destructive effects of viruses.

1998

In this year two American adolescents created the virus, which infected more than polutysyachi of the computers of the Defense Ministry OF THE USA. As a result the activity of this department proved to be practically it was paralyzed. This was, so to speak, sign incident. Specifically, from this point on, state and society recognized that the computer viruses can bear large danger, than even weapon of mass-destruction. As a result the Pentagon, and after it and all large corporations make large orders for the qualitative and reliable antiviral ON, stimulating thus its development. By the way, indirectly this situation played positive role in the development of the different, especially net, information safety systems. People begin to realize the danger, which, as it seemed, proceeds not only from the viruses.

1999

This yr is noted by the first world epidemic. Caused its virus Melissa. The number of those infected by them computers was calculated by tens of thousands, and the damage, substituted to the world economy, composed number simply giddy for those times - 80 million dollars. From this point on, antiviral ON became the required attribute of any computer. Companies, which carry out its development, obtained enormous profits, and therefore since 1999 the development of protection from the harmful programs moved by forward seven-mile steps.

2000

Is fixed record in a velocity of propagation of virus and a quantity of those infected by it computers. The "worm" I Love You! are hours it struck more than million PC throughout the world during in all several. They found the author of virus sufficiently rapidly, Philippines student proved to be it. However, it was impossible to draw him to the responsibility, since in the legislation of the Philippines it did not prove to be the corresponding lawful standards. This caused urgent creation and signing of international agreements about the opposition to computer viruses. Thus, this problem was acknowledged world.

2002

13 main Internet- servers, who ensure the fitness for work of global network, underwent virus attack. Specialists sound the alarm. Actively are developed the means of the net safety, which include not only antiviral ON, but also fire walls. Furthermore, in the majority of the countries is declared present war to the authors of computer viruses. Their punishments become ever more and more rigid. In particular, Devid Smith, creator of virus Melissa, are sentenced to the large penalty even 20 to months of the imprisonment.

2003

Time of the active development of net "worms". The Internet epidemics periodically shake. The records of the propagation of virus again prove to be beaten. This time differed the "worm" Slammer, which during only of 10 minutes infected 75 thousand computers, among which proved to be even machines of U.S. State Department. As a result of consulate America on noon remained without the work, since to achieve a process of granting of a visa it was impossible.

Well and general yr it spent without the special unexpected contingencies. Antiviral ON became even more advanced; therefore users, are today in the propagation of viruses guilty in the majority of the cases. Attention to community to the harmful programs attracts not only printed OF THE MEDIA, but also of the radio and television. Therefore gradually users begin to train themselves to the observance of the fundamental rules of safety in the Internet, which is today and the basic source of viruses.