In Search of the World's Costliest Computer Virus

Danger remains that a virus could seize control of millions of machines to launch an attack that could cripple the Web.

A computer virus infection brings with it many costs, including the staff time required to eradicate it; expensive hardware, software and file damage; system downtime; and the most difficult cost to assess -- tarnished reputation.

In terms of sheer expense, sources generally rate the same three worms -- Nimda, Code Red and SirCam -- as the heaviest hitters of 2001, though precise figures vary widely.

But antivirus and security experts agreed that they are more concerned with fighting viruses and preventing their spread than with spending the time and resources necessary to accurately assess the impact of a given outbreak.

Trend Micro global director of education David Perry, who referred to discussions with insurance companies calling for better metrics on the subject, said antivirus firms are similar to other businesses when it comes to assessing the impact of malicious code.

"We never assess the cost of damage," Perry told NewsFactor. "We're busy keeping up with new viruses and expanding our technology in the face of new exploits."


Between $10B and $100B?

However, Symantec Security Response director of research Steven Trilling told NewsFactor that while antivirus companies are not in the business of assessing the worldwide economic impact of large outbreaks, the financial damage caused by worms is very real.

"The numbers certainly differ across the various organizations evaluating them," Trilling said. "Clearly there is some cost, and it's significant. Whether it was US$10 billion or $100 billion last year, it's hard to say."

Trilling noted that from his company's perspective, the effect of worms is best measured by the number of submissions the company receives from clients, researchers and others infected by various viruses.

"That gives us some relative idea of the damage," Trilling said. "It can give us an idea of the magnitude of a SirCam or a Nimda."

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