Well, it has finally happened. The computer virus, started way back (at least in its popular form) on the Apple IIe, has made it’s way into outer space! The International Space Station has been infected with a virus carried by one of the astronauts on a USB stick. In fact, that is how *all* viruses are transmitted; they need a host of some sort. Whether it’s a file set through email or a physical vector like a flash drive, viruses can’t act or propagate on their own.

However it was not the Stuxnet virus as many outlets are reporting. You may recall Stuxnet was the virus that infected Iran’s nuclear plants a couple of years ago.

On a related note, look what came up while I was researching this: Just another example of why you have to be careful what yo read and where it comes from. They’re not quite exact opposites, but they’re close.

So which was it?

I’m more amazed by the fact the ISS has a USB port!