Computer viruses have been around for decades, wreaking havoc on computer systems all over the world. The Philippines is no exception. While computer viruses pose present-day threats to Filipinos and their computers, it’s worth looking back at the country’s first ever computer virus to understand not only its history, but also the evolution of malware and cybersecurity-related challenges.
The country’s first-ever computer virus was called “Virdem”. It was first discovered by Kaspersky Labs, a Russian multinational cybersecurity provider, in 2001. Virdem, according to experts, was not as malicious as other known variants, but it did cause computers to reduce their performance speed by initiating an endless loop of printing a message in notepad saying “LOADSAMONEY”.
Virdem is considered one of the more unassuming computer viruses, but it served as a bellwether for the Philippines and its susceptibility to malicious software attacks. Since Virdem’s discovery, the country has witnessed the emergence of more sophisticated malware, even reaching the worst-contaminated country spot in the APAC in 2020. As a result, cybersecurity has become an industry necessity not just for businesses but for every individual.
The first computer virus in the Philippines helped coin the term “malware”, which refers to a program that’s designed with a malicious intent. Malware has evolved over the years, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. One of the most significant cybersecurity threats Filipinos are currently facing is ransomware, which aims to extort money from victims through the encryption of their files and demanding a ransom to recover them.
Ransomware attacks in the Philippines increased in 2021, with several high-profile companies falling victim to them. Malware protection is now critical for all individuals, from multi-billion corporations to average Filipinos. Individuals have to be vigilant to protect their digital safety against malicious software.
In conclusion, the history of the first computer virus in the Philippines stands as a reminder of how malware can impact businesses and individuals alike. As cybersecurity threats continue to grow in complexity, the need for individuals to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves remains vital. This is a call to action for businesses, government institutions, and individuals to take cybersecurity more seriously, invest in much-needed resources, and collaborate on efforts to keep digital assets safe.
