Quantum, AKA QuantumG is a coder for VLAD. His viruses include a number of interesting firsts, including Bizatch, the first Windows 95 virus, and Staog, the first Linux virus.
Biography
At the time Quantum entered the VX scene, he had been studying graphics coding, but believed his skills were being underused.
Metabolis and Qark approached him and convinced him to put his talents to coding viruses. After learning the basics, Qark began to teach him more complex things like TST and COM/EXE infection. His first virus, Tashya appeared in issue 4 of VLAD. It was pretty impressive for a first virus as it was full stealth. He originally wanted to publish it in issue 3, but it had too many bugs. Bizatch, his favorite virus was featured in issue 6. This one he even considered superior to many other VLAD members' viruses. Though nothing about the virus was illegal and it was not released to the wild, he did get some contact from law enforcement about it.
Motives
Quantum seemed mostly interested in experimental viruses. He was primarily interested in new platforms and multi-platform viruses. He also expressed interest in polymorphic viruses.
Quantum's viruses and worms
- Bizatch
- Tashya
- Winsurfer (with Qark)
- Bane
- Fame
- Timber Wolf
- The Fire in Which We Burn
- Backwards
- Staog
- Improbability
- Futility+
- Televirus
Other facts
Quantum joked about not really doing anything in the VX scene aside from lurking on IRC and annoying people who actually do things. He also expressed disdain for such people. He also expressed disdain and sometimes amusement with antivirus products and people, finding them deceptive. He had a particular dislike for Vesselin Bontchev. At the time, Quantum had a bit of respect for the AVP and TBAV antivirus programs.
Some of his family and friends knew about his virus coding, but for the most part did not care or understand. His interests outside of technology include computers, martial arts, sci-fi, and writing.
Sepultra. Insane Reality Issue 8, Quantum Interviewed. 1996