Interview with Virogen
by Cicatrix
[March 1998]

How did you start out in computers?

When I was 13, I got my first computer, a 286 8 mhz. When I got a 1200 bps modem, I fell in love with bbsing. After that, my computer became my best friend. I was more interested in how things worked, then just making them work. So, eventually I got into coding C and then moved into assembly. I wrote several legitamate software progs, but for the most part virus coding peaked my interest most. Virus coding is what really extended my grasp on programming.

How and when did you start out in the virus scene?

I believe it was the challenge involved, and the interest in the concept of artificial life that first got me started coding virii. After I started releasing better and better code, I eventually hooked up with my virus colleagues.

Have you written viruses? If so which would you like to take credit for?

It seems like with every virus I write, the ones preceeding it I'm not quite as proud of <g>. However, my viruses include Offspring, Asexual, Pinworm, One13th, Codejournal, Simplex, amungst others. LoRez is the latest virus I've coded with my returning to scene.

How do you name your viruses?

Whatever comes to mind and isn't already taken.a

Which programming languages do you know?

ASM, C++

What programming language do you like using the most?

ASM

Are/were you a member of a VX group?

I was a member of NuKE before I left the scene. Now, something new, [NOP]

Which AV software do you like/respect the most? Which the least?

I haven't really checked out all the latest av software. I'm sure alot has changed in the years I've been gone. However, thunderbyte was always the av software I most respect. Mcafee is definatly the least.

What are your goals (VX wise)?

To develop the next generation of win32 virii. Which I have made strides to do with Yurn and its successor LoRez.

What is your view on the continuous 'war' between VX and AV.

I think it benefits both sides. It keeps the game going.

Where did you get you handle? What does it mean?

Several years back when I first started coding, I briefly decided to write a virus generator. This was probably beyond me at the time, because I never finished. Regardless, I had named the generator Virogen and then picked up as my handle.

What is your view on Virus Creation software (eg. VCL, PS-MPC etc.)?

They are interesting, but not practical. People would love to get around the fact of having to code a virus, but there is no being lazy in the virus world.

What is your view on macro viruses vs. assembly or HLL viruses?

Macro viruses didn't exist when I was last in the scene. I dunno much about them. I know that to have true infection power ur gonna have to do some ASM coding. Fuck a bunch of macros.

Have you ever confirmed one of your viruses 'in-the-wild'?

I think Pinworm was the most proliferated virus I wrote. It was definatly in the wild. I think my first two Offspring and Asexual may have made it a little ways. I haven't confirmed any others being in the wild.

Which VX E-zine do you like to most? Which the least?

29A's new zine is the only recent zine I've seen, and it's got some good code in it. I always loved VLAD and IR releases too.

Which individual or what group do you like/respect in the VX world?

Q, priest, dark avenger

In the AV world?

the thunderbyte dude

Which individual or what group do you like/respect outside the VX or the AV world?

William Gibson

What is your view on destructive payloads in viruses?

I think it's viral suicide.

Do you think there is such a thing as a 'good' virus?

hmm.. no. Anything that a virus could do for the good of the user, a legitimate application could also do.

What do you do in 'real' life?

I don't have a real life.

Do people outside the VX scene know what you do (parents, girlfriend etc.)?

Well, from my bbsing days most of the old-skool hackers in this town know me. Other than that, I'm just sorta known to have a way with computers.

Do you do other computer stuff outside VX (Hacking, phreaking, warez etc.)?

Not lately.

Should viruses be illegal? Is there a difference between creation and spreading?

I think it should be illegal to disinfect a file. 1st degree murder.

What is your view on Windows (3.1/95/98)

Not as difficult as I thought to code for. It intimidated me at first, when I came back into the scene and saw the world went win-crazy. But alas, viral coding in win32 isn't that bad. I am even beggining to like this gui bullshit.

What is your advice for people just starting out?

knowledge=power. There's no shortcuts.

Where can you be reached if at all?

try effnet #virus

Any greets?

Memory Lapse [NOP], Johnny Panic [NOP], Darkman, l-, r-, Murkry, Treaz0n.

Any other comments?

Cicatrix: VDAT kicks ass.

Short responses to the following names or words:

        - Dark Avenger          - da father
        - Dark Angel            - 40hex ruled
        - VDAT                  - r0x
        - VSUM                  - inaccurate piece o shit
        - Assembler             - the real coderz
        - NuKE                  - dead as a fucking doorknob
        - Phalcon Skism         - used to kick ass
        - VLAD                  - they've got my respect
        - Immortal Riot         - same here
        - Trident               - tpe was good
        - Polymorphism          - the standard
        - Stealth               - coming to a win32 puter near u
        - I hate......          - jail
        - I love......          - coding
        - Internet              - the place to be
        - IRC                   - the power of communication
        - Sex                   - where can I get it?
        - World War 3           - that will be something to see

Why did you stop coding viruses some years ago?

I moved out of my parents house the day I turned 18. From that day until I was about 20, I partied my ass off. Ended up getting arrested for some pretty serious dope shit, and now I'm back at mom's until I goto boot camp for my crimes.

Have you done anything computer related after that?

Didn't have a computer, or a brain.

Why have you started again?

Because I am clean now, and have nothing better to do than the thing I love most.

What new ideas/projects are you playing with?

win32 infection. The new frontier. Boldly going where no man has gone before. hehe

Are you planning any new versions of VICE or it's successor?

I'm gonna code a new 32-bit poly engine to put in my win32 viruses. It won't be a VICE update tho.

Are you planning on writing any tutorials?

I might write one on win32 infection. But, don't count on it.. I can be quite lazy<g>