Every time I post something to this effect, 'Change a bit at a time in a computer program and just SEE if it gets better', in response to the "E" mantra of random mutations changing a living creature advantageously, it seems to be absorbed into a black hole: no responses ensue....Well, this ain't no black hole. Genetic algorithms do exactly what you say.
On the subject of computer viruses, hybris changed its name randomly to help avoid detection and restart itself if erased.
An algorithm is NOT a program......
(is it the ex VEEP dancing?)