November 2, 1988
Morris worm spreads on the internet
The Morris wormSelf-replicating malware that spreads across networks without needing a host file. began spreading on November 2, 1988 — the first wormSelf-replicating malware that spreads across networks without needing a host file. to gain mainstream attention, infecting thousands of UnixAn influential multitasking OS from the 1970s — files, pipes, and C shaped Linux, macOS, and BSD. systems on the early internet.
What it was for
Robert Tappan Morris's wormSelf-replicating malware that spreads across networks without needing a host file. exploited sendmail, finger, and rsh flaws — clogging networks when it re-infected machines too aggressively. The incident created the CERT coordination center, hardened UnixAn influential multitasking OS from the 1970s — files, pipes, and C shaped Linux, macOS, and BSD. admin practices, and the first felony conviction under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Why it's here
The Morris wormSelf-replicating malware that spreads across networks without needing a host file. was the internet's first major security wake-up call.
Why it mattered
It proved connected computers needed incident response and patch discipline.
What it solved
Nothing yet — it exposed that the growing internet had no coordinated defense against self-replicating code.
Media
ImageRobert Tappan MorrisTrevor Blackwell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Related
- Unix operating system created1969
- ARPANET switches to TCP/IPJanuary 1, 1983
- First ARPANET host-to-host messageOctober 29, 1969