Have you ever wished you could create your own virus, either for your own learning or as a joke? Creating a virus takes time and knowledge, but anyone can do it if they put their mind to it. Creating a virus can teach you a lot about how programming languages work, as well as operating systems and network security. See Step 1 below to get started.
Step
Step 1. Decide what operating system you want to attack
The most common target is Microsoft Windows, especially older versions. Many old Windows users don't update their operating systems, leaving themselves vulnerable to security holes that might have been fixed in newer versions.
Mac OS X and Linux, both are fairly resistant to viruses due to the way their permissions work and the general architecture of the operating system. 95% of all viruses target Windows users
Step 2. Decide how you want the virus to spread
A virus will only be a virus if it can spread to other users. You have to know the delivery method from the start, as this is one of the basics of the virus code. Common delivery mechanisms include:
- Executable files (. EXE,. BAT,. COM etc.) – These programs need to be run by the user and are usually disguised as something else (like an image).
- Macros (Microsoft Office) – Macros are programs embedded in a document or email. They target Word, Outlook and other macro-active products. The most common method of delivery is via email with an attachment of an infected document.
- Web Scripts – These are pieces of malicious code that are injected into websites without the knowledge of the webmasters.
Step 3. Determine the weak points you want to target
Successful viruses exploit weak spots in the security of a program or system to spread and perform their actions. This requires a lot of research and knowledge, but there are communities out there that can help you find what you need.
Step 4. Decide what you want your virus to do
Once your virus infects a system, what do you want it to do? The effects can range from nothing, to displaying a message, deleting files and other worse effects. Realize that creating and spreading a malicious virus is a serious crime in most countries.
Step 5. Choose a programming language
To create a virus, you must have at least a basic understanding of at least a computer language or scripting tool. More complex viruses usually involve several programming languages. For a truly effective virus, you must know assembly language.
- If you are interested in creating executable viruses, learning to program in C or C++ is a good start.
- If you want to create a macro virus, learn the macro language for your target program such as Microsoft Office.
- Visual Basic can be used to create malicious programs for Windows users.
Step 6. Start writing your virus
This can be a lengthy process, especially if this is your first experience coding something. Experiment as much as you can and research different ways to replicate your own code, which depends on the programming language you're using. There are tutorials on forums and community blogs for various programming languages.
Do polymorphic code research. This will change your virus code each time it replicates, making it even more difficult for antivirus programs to track. Polymorphic code is quite sophisticated and is implemented differently in each programming language
Step 7. Research different ways to hide your code
Apart from polymorphic coding, there are other ways to hide your virus. Encryption is a tool most commonly used by virus developers. This takes a lot of practice and reading, but it can create a way to prolong the life of your virus.
Step 8. Test your virus
Once you have a running prototype, test the prototype on as many different computers and settings as possible. The easiest thing is if you can set up virtual computers in different configurations.
- Make sure that you limit your testing so you don't accidentally release the virus before you're ready. Place the test computer on an isolated network and watch the effects of the virus spreading.
- Adjust your virus code while watching how it works on the test computer. Fix any problems encountered.
Step 9. Remove your virus
If you are satisfied with the performance of your virus, it's time to remove it. However, before you do that, ask yourself, are you prepared to face any consequences that might arise from releasing a virus into the real world. It is better to use the experience and get back to work on a new project.
