The first antivirus software was created by Andreas Lüning and Kai Figge in 1987. These German inventors founded G Data Software, and launched the program, Ultimate Virus Killer, that same year. While John McAfee is often associated with the early days of antivirus due to the release of his VirusScan in 1990, Lüning and Figge predate him. Many other individuals and companies have contributed to the development and evolution of antivirus software since then.
Key Figures and Milestones:
- 1987: Andreas Lüning and Kai Figge create the first antivirus software, Ultimate Virus Killer.
- 1990: John McAfee releases the first version of VirusScan.
- 2001: Tomasz Kojm develops ClamTk, an open-source antivirus based on the ClamAV engine.
It's important to note that the development of antivirus software is an ongoing process, with numerous individuals and companies contributing to its evolution and improvement over time. The attribution of "creating" antivirus software depends on the definition used; whether it refers to the very first program, or the widespread adoption and commercialization of the technology.
While some conspiracy theories suggest antivirus companies create viruses to fuel demand for their products, this is widely considered untrue. The sheer volume and diversity of malware, coupled with the constant evolution of threats, strongly indicates that malicious actors, not antivirus companies, are the primary source of computer viruses.
