Purposes for Viruses

A computer virus is created, just like all the other malicious code types, by computer programmers for many different purposes. They employ these attacks as harassment of computer users, to prove their abilities to others or themselves, and in many cases to either cause damage to the owners of the computer or to steal information. There are several reasons for stealing information. Some types of malicious code monitor user behavior and use it for statistical or other targeting purposes in commercial dealings. More often than not, viruses are designed to steal files and/or transaction information for the purposes of direct financial gain. Finally, viruses are used to steal trade secrets, government secrets, and defense industry secrets.