On January 19, 1986, the world became aware of what is widely regarded as the first major computer virus to spread globally: Brain. While earlier experimental self-replicating programs had existed, ...

Rather than amateurs working out of their parents' basement, malware creators are often part of an underworld of criminal gang, or working directly for a foreign government or intelligence agency.

The word 'virus' gets tossed around a lot. Here's what actually counts, what to watch for, and how to stay two clicks ahead ...