Who Invented Antivirus Software?

In the early days of computing, the threat of malware was minimal. However, as computers became more widespread and interconnected, the need for antivirus software arose. But who exactly invented the first antivirus program? Let’s dive into the history of antivirus software to find out.

The Early Days

The concept of computer viruses, or self-replicating code, dates back to the 1960s. The first computer viruses were designed as academic experiments, with no malicious intent. However, as the internet became more widespread, the potential for viruses to spread quickly and wreak havoc on computer systems grew.

Bob Thomas and the Creeper Virus

The first computer virus, known as the Creeper virus, was created in 1971 by Bob Thomas, a computer scientist at BBN Technologies (now part of Raytheon). The Creeper virus was a harmless program that replicated itself and displayed the message “I’m the creeper, catch me if you can!” when executed. However, Thomas recognized the potential for viruses to cause harm and began exploring ways to detect and remove them.

John McDougal and the First Antivirus Program

In 1971, John McDougal, a computer scientist at the University of Michigan, created the first antivirus program. McDougal’s program, known as the “Vi ROM-checker,” scanned computer systems for viruses and removed them if detected. This pioneering work laid the foundation for the development of modern antivirus software.

The First Commercial Antivirus Program

In 1983, a team of computer scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) created the first commercial antivirus program, called “VIRUS.” The program was designed to detect and remove the latest viruses, including the widely circulating Eltro virus. VIRUS was sold to computer manufacturers and became a staple in the burgeoning antivirus industry.

Other Notable Contributors

Other notable contributors to the development of antivirus software include:

• Barry Winkler: Developed the “VirusScan” program in 1987, which became a popular antivirus solution for personal computers.
• Eugene Kaspersky: Co-founded Kaspersky Lab in 1997, which has since become a leading provider of antivirus software.
• John McAfee: Co-founded McAfee Associates in 1987, which developed the popular antivirus program “McAfee Antivirus.”

Conclusion

The invention of antivirus software is a story that involved the contributions of many individuals and organizations over several decades. From the early experiments with computer viruses to the development of the first commercial antivirus programs, each milestone played a crucial role in shaping the antivirus industry as we know it today.