What Makes Johnny (and Jane) Write Viruses?
Motivations vary among virus creators. Some code with malicious intent. Some write to develop their skills exploiting software vulnerabilities. Most don’t even distribute their creations, but simply write as a hobby and experiment, Gordon says. Often the viruses are so badly programmed they’re incapable of spreading anyway. Others want acceptance in the underground fraternity of virus writers. They thrive on the thrill of shutting down a company or government e-mail system. Many enjoy the notoriety and pride of seeing their virus listed in antivirus software programs. Evul falls into this category. He says he never releases his programs, but often sends a finished virus to antivirus vendors such as AVP and McAfee so they can add a definition to their scanning software. (Most antivirus vendors accept “submissions.”) He also distributes to virus “collectors.” But he’s reconsidering that action after his program called Angela was unleashed by a collector.
