how to create a virus using notepad harmful pdf

Melissa spread by subverting the macro capabilities in Microsoft Word. In 1999 the Melissa virus quickly spread across the Internet and in the process brought down networks and mail servers. If people didn’t believe documents could be used to spread malware, a little virus named “Melissa” quickly changed their attitude. Products like Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF added macro and scripting capabilities making it possible for documents to work in much the same way as executable programs, right down to the ability to run processes and install other bits of code on user systems. They were no longer simple static files with little potential for harm. users and businesses blocked or controlled the ability to transmit program files through email and network gateways, while still permitting file types they considered safe, such as Microsoft Word documents and other Office Suite files.īut over time documents and Office files changed. There was usually very little reason anyone would send an executable file through email.

These types of attacks were easy for somewhat savvy users and IT departments to avoid and stop.

With the rise of email and the web, executable files – spread mainly through email and files placed on websites – became a common way to trick users into installing malware on their systems. In the beginning viruses and worms spread through infected floppy disks and security holes in server-based applications. By Jim Rapoza, Independent Security Technology Analystįor almost as long as people have used computers and networks, malware has existed attempting to compromise, subvert and damage these systems.

How to create a virus using notepad harmful pdf