MDEF

{{Short description|Computer virus}}

{{Infobox computer virus

| Fullname = MDEF

| Common name = MDEF

| Technical name = MDEF

| Family = Unknown

| Aliases = Garfield
Top Cat

| Classification = Virus

| Type = Macintosh

| Subtype = Nuisance

| IsolationDate = May 1990

| Isolation = Ithaca, New York

| Origin = Ithaca, New York

| Author = Same author as CDEF

}}

MDEF was a computer virus affecting Macintosh machines. There are four known strains. The first, MDEF A (aka Garfield), was discovered in May 1990. Strains B (aka Top Cat), C, and D were discovered in August 1990, October 1990, and January 1991, respectively.

MDEF A, B, and C can infect application files and system files, and sometimes document files as well. The D strain will infect only applications. None of the viruses were designed to do damage, but they often do. MDEF D can sometimes damage applications beyond repair.

Quick action by computer security personnel and the New York State Police resulted in identification of the author, a juvenile. This was the same person responsible for writing the CDEF virus.