A computer virus doubles its spread every 30 minutes. Starting with 5 infected devices, how many are infected after 3 hours?

Sun, 03 May 2026 09:05:14 +0000

**Your Screen Just Got Smaller… But What Almost Infected 10,000 Devices Doesn’t Need Force**
A computer virus doubles its spread every 30 minutes. Starting with just 5 infected devices, how many take down networks today—after precisely 3 hours? The answer reveals a staggering scale, and understanding this real-world risk speaks directly to growing concerns about cybersecurity in everyday U.S. homes and workplaces. This pattern isn’t just theoretical—it’s already unfolding in real time, making awareness not just smart, but essential. **Why This Spreading Threat Is Gaining Moment in the U.S.**
Concern about digital contagion isn’t new, but today’s accelerated timelines amplify urgency. The 30-minute doubling cycle means infections grow exponentially—starting from 5 devices, over three hours (a span of six 30-minute intervals), the count skyrockets. This pattern mirrors rising anxieties tied to ransomware, smartphone vulnerabilities, and smart device networks. Adults across the U.S. are increasingly aware: a virus spreading twice every half-hour can turn a single infected device into a network-wide crisis within hours. Public discourse, cybersecurity reports, and even insurance trends increasingly spotlight this urgency—making timely, factual insight more relevant than ever. **How A Computer Virus Doubles Its Spread Every 30 Minutes: The Math Behind the Fear**
Starting with 5 infected devices, the spread follows this pattern:
- After 30 minutes: 5 × 2 = 10
- After 60 minutes: 10 × 2 = 20
- After 90 minutes: 20 × 2 = 40
- After 120 minutes: 40 × 2 = 80
- After 150 minutes: 80 × 2 = 160
- After 180 minutes (3 hours): 160 × 2 = **320 devices infected** This doubling reflects no controlled pipeline—each infected device passes the threat to two new systems every half-hour, creating cascading infections. In real networks, such spread relies on vulnerabilities in software, user behavior, or network connections, making no device truly immune if not protected.