Ever wanted to create your own virus, perhaps for learning or fun? It will take time and knowledge to create a virus, but everyone can do it if they want to. Creating a virus can teach you the basics of programming in a particular language, as well as knowledge of operating systems and network security. See Step 1 to get started.
Steps
Step 1. Find the operating system you want to attack
Most often it is Microsoft Windows, especially older versions. Many users do not update their operating systems, leaving them vulnerable to modern attacks.
Mac OS X and Linux are considered more secure against virus attacks (due to the operation of access rights and the architecture of the operating system). 95% of all viruses target Windows users
Step 2. Decide how to spread the virus
A virus will be a virus if it can spread to other users. You need to come up with a delivery method before you start working on creating a virus. Frequently used delivery components:
- Executing file (. EXE,. BAT,. COM and others) - the program must be launched by the user, and often disguised as something else, for example, an image.
- Macro (Microsoft Office) - Macros are programs embedded in a document or email. They target Word, Outlook, and other products that support macros. The most common delivery method is a letter with an attached document.
- A web script is a piece of malicious code that is embedded in websites without the knowledge of webmasters.
Step 3. Find the weak point for the attack
Successful viruses exploit weaknesses in software and system security to operate and spread. It takes a lot of research and knowledge, but there are specialized communities that can help with this.
Step 4. Decide on the functionality of your virus
What will the virus do after infecting the system? The effects can be different, ranging from zero effect, displaying a message, deleting files, and other more harmful effects. Be aware that creating and distributing viruses is illegal in many countries.
Step 5. Select a language
To create a virus, you need at least a basic understanding of a programming language or scripting tool. More complex viruses very often involve several programming languages. For the most effective viruses, you will need assembly language knowledge.
- If you want to create executable viruses, search the Internet for C and C ++ courses.
- If you want to create macro viruses, then learn the macro language for the desired program, for example, Microsoft Office.
- Visual Basic can be used to create malware for Windows users.
Step 6. Start working on your virus
This will take a long time, especially the first time. Experiment as much as possible and learn about ways to distribute your code based on the language you use. There are guides and blogs for learning some languages.
Learn about polymorphic code. This will change your program code after each replica, hiding the virus from anti-virus programs. Polymorphic code is going to be a pretty advanced step, which is created in different ways in different programming languages
Step 7. Learn about ways to hide your code
Besides polymorphic code, there are ways to hide your virus. Encryption is a very popular tool among virus developers. It takes a lot of time and reading, but as a result you can protect and prolong the life of your virus.
Step 8. Check your virus
Once you've built a working prototype, test it on multiple machines and builds. The easiest way is to use virtual machines with different builds.
- Try to run your tests in a closed assembly so as to avoid accidentally getting your virus on the network. Put the test machines on a separate network and test the spread of the virus.
- Improve your virus code as you test it. Work on the bugs in your code.
Step 9. Release your virus
If you are satisfied with the performance of your virus, then it is time to release it. But before that, think about whether you are ready for the consequences that are possible due to your virus. Maybe you should use your knowledge and work on other projects.