While authorities sought Onel de Guzman, a suspect in the LoveLetter outbreak, several computer companies were reportedly willing to offer him a job. And even press coverage, while largely negative, contained a whiff of admiration for the cunning way in which the virus spread so far so quickly. But most older writers suffer an inadequate development of ethics, Gordon says. She maintains the twentysomethings who start or continue writing viruses have a lower level of ethical maturity than their general peers. They simply don't view writing and releasing viruses as wrong.
Motivations vary among virus creators.
Some code with malicious intent. Some write to develop their skills exploiting software vulnerabilities. Most don't even distribute their creations, but simply write as a hobby and experiment, Gordon says. Often the viruses are so badly programmed they're incapable of spreading anyway. Others want acceptance in the underground fraternity of virus writers.