Editing Netsky (computer worm)

{{Infobox malware
| common_name           = Netsky
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| Type                  = [[Computer worm]]
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| Origin                = February 2004
| Author                = [[Sven Jaschan]]
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| OS                    = [[Microsoft Windows]]
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| discontinuation_date1 = <!--Can be repeated up to 5 times by changing the number-->
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'''Netsky''' is a prolific family of [[computer worm]]s that affect Microsoft Windows operating systems. The first variant appeared on Monday, February 16, 2004. The "B" variant was the first family member to find its way into mass distribution which appeared on Wednesday, February 18, 2004. 18-year-old [[Sven Jaschan]] of [[Germany]] confessed to have written these and other worms, such as [[Sasser (computer worm)|Sasser]]. 

Although individual functions vary widely between different viruses, the Netsky family is perhaps the most famous for comments contained within the code of its variants insulting the authors of the [[Bagle (computer worm)|Bagle]] and [[Mydoom]] worm families and in some cases, routines that removed versions of these viruses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cnettv.cnet.com/2001-1_53-50005771.html |title=CNET TV &#124; Video Product Reviews, CNET Podcasts, Tech Shows, Live CNET Video - CNET TV |publisher=Cnettv.cnet.com |date= |accessdate=2012-06-26}}</ref> The "war" as it was referred to in the media led to a steady increase in the number of variant viruses produced in these families. As of June 2004, Bagle had approximately 28, Netsky approximately 29, and MyDoom approximately 10.

Other symptoms of Netsky included; beeping sounds on specified dates, usually in the morning hours.

The worm was sent out as an [[e-mail]], enticing recipients to open an attachment. Once opened, the attached program would scan the computer for e-mail addresses and e-mail  to itself all the addresses found.

Until October 2006, the P variant of this virus remained the most prevalent virus being sent in e-mail throughout the world despite being over two and a half years old.<ref>[http://www.irishdev.com/NewsArticle.aspx?id=4473] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927225459/http://www.irishdev.com/NewsArticle.aspx?id=4473|date=September 27, 2007}}</ref> It was surpassed by a variant from the [[Stration]] malware family in November 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/articles/2006/11/toptennov.html |title=Three of the top ten malware threats run on Microsoft Vista, Sophos tests show |publisher=Sophos.com |date= |accessdate=2012-06-26}}</ref>

Drum and bass musician [[Netsky (electronic musician)|Netsky]] has based his artist name on this computer worm. The idea behind it was that there was a chance people would download the virus if they searched the internet illegally to download his music.

== See also ==
* [[Timeline of notable computer viruses and worms]]
* [[Computer virus]]
* [[Computer worms]]
* [[Sasser (computer worm)]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/05/10/sasser_worm_arrest Netsky and Sasser author arrested]
* [https://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/07/05/sasser_trial_begins Netsky and Sasser author trial] 

{{Hacking in the 2000s}}

[[Category:Email worms]]
[[Category:Hacking in the 2000s]]
[[Category:2004 in computing]]