Muhammad Amanullah | August 12, 2026
The True Post (Web News) — The history of computing includes an unusual chapter connected to Pakistan. The world’s first known PC boot-sector virus, “Brain,” was created by two Pakistani brothers. Interestingly, the virus was not originally designed to cause widespread destruction but was developed to prevent the unauthorized copying of software.
Two Brothers in Lahore Made History
The first known PC boot-sector virus, “Brain,” was created in January 1986 by Lahore-based brothers Basit Farooq Alvi and Amjad Farooq Alvi.
The two brothers were involved in developing computer software and created the program to prevent unauthorized copying of medical software they had developed.
A Virus Created to Stop Software Piracy
At the time, unauthorized software copying was becoming a major problem. The Alvi brothers developed a program that could spread to other computer disks when an unauthorized copy of their software was made.
The program later became known as “Brain” and is regarded as an important milestone in the history of computer viruses.
It Spread Through 5.25-Inch Floppy Disks
“Brain” spread from one computer to another through the 5.25-inch floppy disks commonly used at the time.
When a user inserted an infected disk, the virus stored a copy of itself in the computer’s boot sector. As a result, other floppy disks could also become infected.
The Virus Contained a Message From the Brothers
One distinctive feature of the “Brain” virus was that it contained the address and telephone numbers of the Alvi brothers’ business.
The hidden message was intended to inform users that the software had been copied without authorization and that they could contact the software developers for further information.
It Was Not Designed to Destroy Data
Unlike many modern computer viruses, the primary purpose of “Brain” was not to destroy users’ data or disable computers.
The virus did not delete computer files or deliberately attempt to destroy entire systems. For this reason, it is considered a unique example in the early history of computer viruses.
Pakistan’s Important Role in Computer Virus History
The creation of “Brain” gave Pakistan an unusual place in the early history of computer viruses. At a time when personal computers were rapidly becoming more common around the world, the program developed by two Pakistani brothers in Lahore spread internationally.
Today, computer viruses and cybersecurity threats are major global concerns. However, in the early history of computer malware, “Brain” and its Pakistani creators remain an important part of the story.
