02 Jul Looking Back On The Brain Computer Virus – 1986
in Blogs
This week in cybersecurity from the editors at Cybercrime Magazine
– Read the Full TIME Story
Sausalito, Calif. – Jul. 2, 2024
The recently released “2024 Cybersecurity Almanac” has a section on historic viruses including this one:
For computer buffs visiting Pakistan’s historic city of Lahore, it seemed too good a bargain to pass up. A shop called Brain Computer Services was selling brand-name computer programs, such as Lotus 1-2-3 and WordStar, for as little as $1.50 each, according to TIME.
From early 1986 to late 1987, scores of Americans — most of them students and backpackers — snapped up cut-rate disks for use on their computers back home. Hidden in nearly every disk was an extra program not supplied by any manufacturer: a snippet of computer code many considered to be the world’s most sophisticated computer virus.
Every time an unsuspecting user lent his new disk to a friend or colleague, and every time the disk was run on a machine shared by other users, the code spread from one computer to another.
The so-called Brain virus had found its way onto at least 100,000 floppy disks, sometimes with data-destroying impact. In each case the illicit program left behind a calling card for those savvy enough to find it: a message that began with the words WELCOME TO THE DUNGEON, and was signed by brothers Amjad Farooq Alvi, 26, and Basit Farooq Alvi, 19, the owners of Brain Computer Services.
Read the Full Story
Cybercrime Magazine is Page ONE for Cybersecurity. Go to any of our sections to read the latest:
- SCAM. The latest schemes, frauds, and social engineering attacks being launched on consumers globally.
- NEWS. Breaking coverage on cyberattacks and data breaches, and the most recent privacy and security stories.
- HACK. Another organization gets hacked every day. We tell you who, what, where, when, and why.
- VC. Cybersecurity venture capital deal flow with the latest investment activity from various sources around the world.
- M&A. Cybersecurity mergers and acquisitions including big tech, pure cyber, product vendors and professional services.
- BLOG. What’s happening at Cybercrime Magazine. Plus the stories that don’t make headlines (but maybe they should).
- PRESS. Cybersecurity industry news and press releases in real time from the editors at Business Wire.
- PODCAST. New episodes daily on the Cybercrime Magazine Podcast feature victims, law enforcement, vendors, and cybersecurity experts.
- RADIO. Tune into WCYB Digital Radio at Cybercrime.Radio, the first and only round-the-clock internet radio station devoted to cybersecurity.
Contact us to send story tips, feedback and suggestions, and for sponsorship opportunities and custom media productions.