The Top 10 Computer Viruses

Now that that the new version of Conflicker is on the loose, Popsci.com counts down history’s meanest malware
Image courtesy of F-Secure Corporation

Whether you clicked on a misleading banner ad, opened a file sent by a Nigerian prince or simply downloaded the wrong porn, everyone’s dealt with a computer virus at some point. While bad programming or virus checking software contains most outbreaks, some malware has managed to reach pandemic levels. With the help of Golden Richard III, a professor of computer science at the University of New Orleans and an expert on computer viruses, Popsci.com takes a look at ten viruses, worms and Trojans that reached levels of digital plague.

Creeper
Image courtesy of David Fischer, via Wikimedia Commons
Elk Cloner
Image courtesy of Florian Eckerstorfer via Flickr.com
The Morris Worm
Image courtesy of Go Card USA via Wikimedia Commons
ILOVEYOU
Image courtesy of F-Secure Corporation
Code Red
Image courtesy of compujeramey via Flickr.com
Nimda
Image courtesy of F-Secure Corporation
Slammer
Image courtesy of F-Secure Corporation
Blaster
Image courtesy of F-Secure Corporation
Welchia
Courtesy of hj barraza via Flickr.com
Commwarrior-A
Courtesy of kiwanja via Flickr.com
 
Outdoor gift guide content widget

2025 PopSci Outdoor Gift Guide