Iloveyou
a year ago
- #computer-worm
- #cybersecurity
- #historical-malware
- ILOVEYOU was a computer worm that infected over ten million Windows PCs starting May 5, 2000.
- It spread via email with the subject 'ILOVEYOU' and an attachment 'LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.vbs'.
- The worm overwrote files, hid MP3 files, and sent copies to all contacts in the victim's Outlook address book.
- Created by Onel de Guzman, a Filipino student, who intended to steal internet passwords due to financial struggles.
- No laws in the Philippines at the time could prosecute de Guzman, leading to the enactment of the E-Commerce Law.
- The worm caused an estimated $5.5–8.7 billion in damages worldwide and infected 10% of internet-connected computers.
- It affected major organizations, including the US Department of Defense, CIA, and NASA.
- De Guzman was found in 2020 working in a Manila phone repair shop, admitting to creating the worm alone.
- The worm's success was due to social engineering and exploiting Windows' file extension hiding feature.
- ILOVEYOU inspired cultural references, including a song by Pet Shop Boys and a 2011 movie.