Is ILOVEYOU a Virus or Worm? Understanding the Difference

Explore the ILOVEYOU malware's classification as a virus, its impact, and how it spread in 2000.

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ILOVEYOU is a virus. Specifically, it is a type of malware that spread via email as a love letter in the year 2000. It infected computers by overwriting files and replicating itself. The term 'virus' in this context refers to its ability to self-replicate and corrupt data, distinguishing it from worms, which spread without attaching to programs.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the ILOVEYOU virus? The ILOVEYOU virus is a type of malware that spread via email, causing widespread damage by overwriting files.
  2. How does a virus differ from a worm? A virus attaches itself to programs and replicates, while a worm spreads independently without user intervention.
  3. How can I protect my computer from viruses? Using antivirus software, keeping your system updated, and avoiding suspicious emails can help protect against viruses.
  4. What year did the ILOVEYOU virus spread? The ILOVEYOU virus spread in the year 2000, quickly affecting millions of computers worldwide.