The Mother Of All Viruses
A first of its kind computer virus that has the potential to destroy entire networks is being called "the first legitimate incident of cyber-terrorism," reports Correspondent Tony Russomanno of CBS station KPIX in San Francisco.
The giant Communications Company MCI confirms that it is the victim of an entirely new form of computer attack, one that spreads without any human intervention. Security professionals say it is "the mother of all computer viruses."
The alert is out for what's being called the Remote Explorer virus: the first virus in history that infects entire computer networks instead of individual computers.
"Viruses in the past have not been spreading by themselves," reports Peter Watkins of Network Associates. "They usually rely on users sending mail to each other, opening up documents, whatever. But in this case, the virus takes care of that and it propagates by itself."
The virus changes files at random. If an essential file is changed, the entire network could go down.
The virus only affects corporate networks running Microsoft Windows NT software. The virus can be transmitted over the Internet, and other software, such as Unix, can be a carrier.
MCI says the virus has had no impact on its operations. Infected systems have been isolated or turned off until a new program to clean the virus is installed.
Computer networks are the lifeblood of every company. They're used to send orders, shipments, and communicate, among other essential tasks. The Remote Explorer virus targets this key part of worldwide corporate infrastructure.
"Without a computer network, most companies today would have a major problem in just continuing their day to day operations," Watkins continues.
Computer security consultants say the author of the virus is not known, but it must be an extremely sophisticated programmer with advanced knowledge. As for a motive, it could be someone who just wants to show it can be done, or someone who wanted to harm the computer network.
"In either case, the individual probably should go to jail if you could ever find them, but you never can," says Watkins.
The virus was discovered Dec. 17. So far, only MCI has been infected.
The fear is that other companies may have it, and not yet know it.
Reported by Tony Russomanno of CBS station KPIX in San Francisco