The Michelangelo Virus (1991)
First Detected: February 1991
Created By: UNKNOWN
Operating Systems Targeted: MS-DOS, Windows 3.x (via DOS), IBM PC-compatible systems with FAT16
Introduction
The Michelangelo Virus was a boot sector virus that gained widespread attention due to fears of mass destruction. It was named after the famous artist Michelangelo because it was designed to activate on March 6, his birthday.
How It Worked
- Michelangelo was a boot sector virus, infecting the master boot record (MBR) of hard drives and floppy disks.
- It remained dormant until March 6, when it attempted to erase data on infected systems.
- The virus was primarily spread via floppy disks.
- Unlike some earlier viruses, it was intentionally destructive, rather than just a nuisance.
Impact & Significance
In 1992, global panic led to estimates that millions of computers could be wiped out, but the actual number of infections was much lower.
The fear surrounding Michelangelo increased awareness of computer viruses and the importance of antivirus software.
Key Lessons from the Michelangelo Virus
- Showed how boot sector infections could be devastating.
- Highlighted the importance of regular antivirus updates and data backups.
- Brought cybersecurity into the mainstream, leading to growth in the antivirus industry.
Modern Relevance
Although boot sector viruses are less common today, modern threats like ransomware and malware-infected USB devices function similarly.
The Michelangelo virus helped shape today's focus on preventative cybersecurity measures.