Why do people create viruses and worms? What do they get out if it?

Why do people create viruses and worms? What do they get out if it?

Hacker X (Computer Security Expert) gives expert video advice on: What are some of the most common phishing emails and how do they work?; What do scammers do with the information they get by phishing?; Does virus protection software really work? and more...

Viruses and worms are created often simply because they can be. And much like that hacker mentality of breaking into a system, not for personal gain or financial gain, but A: just for the challenge of doing it, or B: sort of bragging rights, similarly exists with worms and viruses, which are kind of an extension of the ability to do that. That's not to say that people do not create worms and viruses for personal gain or to really do bad. But a large portion of them are mischievous. But it should not be misunderstood that these are crimes. When you're dealing with interstate lines that are the Internet lines, these can be federal crimes and felonies. So this is not really something to be taken that lightly; even though it might only be mischievous, this is a crime.