Date: Fri, 02 Apr 1999 20:47:25 -0500
From: Chuck0 <chuck-AT-tao.ca>
Subject: Microsoft is really Big Brother after all


Here's an interesting quote buried in this new article on the arrest
today of the guy they claim created "Melissa":

"Computer experts used unique identification numbers embedded in
Microsoft Word documents to trace Melissa back to a well-known virus
writer who calls himself VicodinES."

This is a good argument on why we should steer clear of Microsoft
products and instead use and develop free software.

Chuck0

======Virus Underground Split by Arrest 
By Chris Allbritton
AP Cyberspace Writer

Friday, April 2, 1999;  6:46 p.m. EST


NEW YORK (AP) -- The close-knit underground of computer virus creators
split into two camps at the news that one of their own may have been
arrested for releasing malicious Melissa.

``The whole community has really been shaken up by this,'' said B.K.
Delong, who follows the virus scene. ``The first group is one that wants
a better reputation. Then there's the community that wants to retaliate
and come up with even more destructive viruses.'' 

Virus creators gather at the Virus Exchange Underground, a computer chat
area where they swap ideas and gossip. Most are programmers interested
in viruses and computer bugs. They often write viruses and swap them
among themselves, Delong said. 

They refer to themselves as ``Black Hats,'' interested in doing damage,
and ``White Hats.'' The Black Hats sometimes release viruses through
e-mail or Usenet newsgroups. 

In a statement released on behalf of the VX Underground, as it's often
called, the group warned the media and investigators not to quickly
condemn the author of Melissa. 

``Instead they should be more interested in the person who released the
bug which caused the spread of the virus,'' said the statement, which
was e-mailed to The Associated Press. 

Melissa was originally posted on two sex discussion groups a week ago
Friday, according to an online search. The VX Underground said it was
highly unlikely those two posts out of thousands could have led to
Melissa's vicious cascade. 

``However, once released others posted the Melissa source code to
additional newsgroups, Web sites and listservs (mailing lists), which
meant anyone could turn it into the virus and continue to spread it,''
the statement continued. 

David L. Smith, 30, of Aberdeen, N.J., was arrested Friday and charged
with originating the destructive Melissa, which infected hundreds of
thousands of computers and swamped hundreds of companies' e-mail
systems.

Computer experts used unique identification numbers embedded in
Microsoft Word documents to trace Melissa back to a well-known virus
writer who calls himself VicodinES.

Rita Malley, spokeswoman for the New Jersey state attorney general's
office said Smith was ``definitely not'' the person known by that
handle. Instead, Smith took two viruses, one of which came from
VicodinES, and combined them with another virus to create Melissa, she
said. 

``They (the Black Hat programmers) are looking for someone to blame,''
said Delong. They resent the treatment VicodinES supposedly received at
the hands of the media, and they're rallying around their own. They said
he is a really nice guy.''

Copyright 1999 The Associated Press



-- 
Chuck0
http://flag.blackened.net/chuck0/home/

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