OneHalf (computer virus)
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Common name | OneHalf |
---|---|
Technical name | OneHalf |
Aliases | |
Family | OneHalf |
Classification | Virus |
-Type | DOS |
-Subtype | file and boot infector |
Isolation | 1995 |
-Point of Isolation | Unknown |
-Point of Origin | Slovakia |
Author(s) | Vyvojar |
OneHalf is a DOS-based polymorphic computer virus (hybrid boot and file infector). It is known for its peculiar payload: it encrypts certain parts of user's Hard disk, but then decrypts them on-the-fly when they are accessed. Thus, careless disinfection (that is, the one that does not take this encryption into account) will result in loss of data. After encrypting one half of the HDD, virus displays the following message:
Dis is one half.
Press any key to continue ...
It is also known as one of the first viruses to implement a tecnhique of "patchy infection", introduced in Bomber.
OneHalf has many variants.