Robin Burden answered
Although computer viruses are a source of great frustration to many people - it is possible to argue that they serve some useful purposes to certain people.
The usefulness of a computer virus From the host's point of view, computer viruses are nothing but annoying programs capable of doing some serious damage to a computer network.
However, there's a good reason why people spend so much of their time developing these rather complicated and very malicious programs:
The usefulness of a computer virus From the host's point of view, computer viruses are nothing but annoying programs capable of doing some serious damage to a computer network.
However, there's a good reason why people spend so much of their time developing these rather complicated and very malicious programs:
- A virus can be a way for a hacker or programmer to show off his ability. Some firms even hire ex-hackers to create virus protection and other types of software.
- A computer virus can be used to steal people's personal information. Although illegal, this can be very useful and profitable for those stealing and then selling on or using the information gained in this way.
- A virus is able to take control of a person's computer.
- Online advertising is often targeted by hackers, who make money from virus-related scams (for example 'click jacking')
- Computer viruses are considered an important part of technological warfare. For example, Iran has accused several countries of targeting (and successfully shutting down) their illegal nuclear facilities, using computer viruses.
