The first informatic virus was the Creeper virus.
Creeper: The Pioneering Virus
Created in 1971 by Bob Thomas at BBN Technologies, the Creeper virus was a groundbreaking, albeit simple, experiment. It wasn't designed for malicious purposes but rather as a proof-of-concept to explore the possibility of software that could move between computers on a network.
- Purpose: Experimental self-replicating program.
- Creator: Bob Thomas.
- Year: 1971.
- Functionality: Creeper's primary action was to display the message "I'M THE CREEPER: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN" on infected machines. It would then attempt to copy itself to another system via the ARPANET.
- Impact: While not destructive, Creeper demonstrated the potential for self-replicating code and paved the way for the development of antivirus software. The Reaper program, designed to delete Creeper, is sometimes considered the first antivirus software.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Creeper |
| Type | Proof-of-Concept Virus |
| Year Created | 1971 |
| Creator | Bob Thomas |
| Primary Action | Displayed a message and self-replicated |
Creeper's harmless nature contrasts sharply with the destructive viruses that would later emerge, highlighting the evolution of informatic viruses from experimental programs to serious security threats.
