list of notable computer viruses and malware Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-notable-computer-viruses-and-malware Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-notable-computer-viruses-and-malware Written by Tara Ramanathan Assistant Technology Editor at Encyclopedia Britannica. Tara Ramanathan Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 13, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Malware (a portmanteau of the terms malicious and software) consists of computer viruses, spyware, computer worms, and other software capable of stealing devices’ data or running harmful code. Cybercriminals use malware to extort money, steal personal information, and spy on their victims. Famous malware includes the Love Bug, or ILOVEYOU, worm, which caused many businesses to shut down their email systems in 2000, and CryptoLocker, which locked users’ files and forced them to pay to have the files decrypted. Here is a chronological list of high-impact malware. Classified as a worm, Melissa was created by a hacker who named the ...(100 of 704 words)

　　Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!