Morris WormIn 1988, the Morris Worm, crafted by Robert Tappan Morris, gained notoriety as one of the earliest and most infamous examples of computer malware. Its primary purpose was to propagate across the nascent internet and infiltrate Unix-based systems. However, a flaw in the worm's code led to unintended consequences, resulting in rampant replication, network congestion, and widespread system outages. This unforeseen outcome significantly impacted the history of cybersecurity, drawing attention to the pressing need for improved security measures within computer networks. In the aftermath, Robert Morris faced legal consequences, including conviction under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act in the United States, for his involvement in the creation and dissemination of the worm. |
