What Is the ILOVEYOU Virus? The Shocking Story Behind the World’s Most Infamous Email Worm

What is the ILOVEYOU virus? Known as one of the most devastating computer viruses in history, the ILOVEYOU worm caused billions of dollars in damage within days. First appearing in 2000, it spread via email with the subject “I Love You,” tricking users into opening an infected attachment. The virus replicated itself, overwrote files, and sent copies to all contacts in a victim’s address book. This article explores the history, operation, damage, and key lessons from this global cyberattack. Learn how ILOVEYOU worked, why it spread so quickly, and how similar threats continue to evolve in today’s digital world.