"To write a computer virus program is considered a major test for computer hacks. It's immensely fun to try to figure out how to make it light enough, thin enough, short enough, and small enough to hide undetected amidst other programs, and at the same time break through virus prevention barriers," points out Hung Wen-lung, a hack who's been deeply immersed in the world of computers for five years.
Killing without remorse: In the terms of a martial arts novel, the creators of viruses are highly skilled fighters. Unfortunately, they use their martial virtues in the wrong places. In the world of computer "masters," they are not considered heroic or outstanding. On the contrary, as in the cases of Ouyang Feng or Chiu Mo-chih, famous villains in martial arts novels, the more skillful they are the more damage they do.
Hsu Jui-ching, who studies in the doctoral program in electrical engineering at National Taiwan University, based on years of observation, suggests that most researchers in the realm of computers are alienated from the outside world. Their world does not exist outside of the computer, and they don't have other topics that interest them. As a result, their way of thinking is very self-centered. As for why these people write computer virus programs, their only reason can be to defeat the technology. As for whether or not others are hurt along the way, or damage is inflicted, that's not within the scope of their thoughts.
The increasing youthfulness of computer hacks adds to this mindset. Hsu points out that compared with the other basic sciences like mathematics, physics, or chemistry, computers are a technique-oriented field, and one can get a sense of accomplishment quickly. Many people are computer experts by the time they are fifteen or sixteen. Yet their thinking has not yet matured, and it is easy for them to fall into the trap of seeking superiority and renown above all. "To invent a virus that attracts the attention of the whole world is a very thrilling experience," he says, assessing the psychology of the computer killer.
In this vein, Chu Bong Fu, the computer genius who is known as "the father of the Chinese language computer," never stops reminding people: It is necessary to add humanitarian thought to the study of the technology of computers. Otherwise computers will be a plague among men and not mankind's benefactor.
[Picture Caption]
A virus planted in your hard drive is just waiting for the chance to destroy your precious computer! (photo by Diago Chiu)
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