The implications of technology falling into the wrong hands are already being witnessed. With the whole world wired and networked, data transfer is happening in microseconds. A malicious script/mail to exploit the network could mean disaster for the secure transfer of these data. The world viewed through the mouse is now a world at the mercy of the same mouse!

Enter e-virus, the new age tormentor. Of late, there has been a surge in virus attacks causing severe damage. A virus that spreads across networks works more like a conventional virus. By multiplying itself and hence making replicas, it can produce undesired side effects in computers in which it is active.

Now then, when most systems are networked, it only acts as the best breeding ground for these e-age parasites. Viruses come in different names and sizes. For the virus to infect the PC, it has to first execute its self-replicating code. By modifying items, the code is executed when the concerned item is opened or run. A section of disk that contains codes executed whenever it is booted also acts as a friendly support platform for the viruses.

The extent of damage or malicious side effects that a virus can cause depends upon the so- called 'payload' it carries. As is the case, that extent depends solely on the 'Superb Brains' who work hard in creating them. The damage has two extremes: either producing harmless messages or total data corruption and destruction. The latter, when analysed in proper light can have frightening consequences.

Cyber warfare has given a new dimension to viruses. Cyber warfare, which was limited to just hacking and defacing of websites now has an all-new look – a virus war! There has been a steady increase in virus attacks over the last couple of years. One of the most recent attacks being the YAHA variant released by our Indian friends, which was successful in disabling anti virus software and hence commanding computers to instigate a distributed denial of services across Pakistani websites. Things could be bad if something similar to YAHA lands on the Indian shore.

These viruses can be much more dangerous if nurtured to destroy /infect data that are crucial for national security. India for once should wake up for the cruel reality awaiting it. The consequences could be catastrophic. With each and every single installation controlled by means of a secure network, a single penetration into the system would render the whole network useless.

One wonders what would happen if our defence installations like Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) etc are subjected to a virus attack. Can we recover from it? What if the payload could actually by passed and hence given access of these potential locations on to our enemy? The rest could well be history!

With virus attacks poised to increase in the coming years, India should take sterner steps in protecting its shores. Apart from this, viruses act like a modern-day infection – not only capable of damaging the data held by business houses, but also disrupting entertainment and social events. The most recent example being that of the virus infected Pan American Games, where the unnamed virus was successful in shutting down the entire computer network.

If India has the ambition and desire to host Commonwealth Games, then besides pleasing IOC officials about the infrastructure, it might well do something about protecting the e-infrastructure and fast. A similar episode like the Pan American Games could well be curtains down for future international events.

Lastly, it should be noted that while most anti-virus companies take credit in having created a patch for most of the viruses it is just a cruel irony in light of truth. These patches have been developed only after the virus has been successful in inflicting the damage and no patch has been able to prevent any virus from spreading because so long as the virus is active on the computer it can successfully copy itself onto other files. A testimony to the dedication of the superb brains who create the e-parasites!