Computer users plot to avoid virus

Article Abstract:

Despite widespread international publicity, no one will know for sure how widespread the Michelangelo computer virus is until IBM PC compatible users turn on their machines March 6, 1992, the Renaissance artist's 517th birthday. The virus erases data on the computer. Many experts say computers need to be redesigned with simple safety features that protect against computer viruses. There have been reports of hundreds of Michelangelo infections around the United States. The design and manufacture of anti-virus software is a booming industry, but experts say they offer minimal protection at best. Anti-virus software must be updated to detect each new virus, and is rather easy to elude. Two new technologies are considered superior: interception, which monitors suspicious behavior by software, and digital signature encryption, which calls for encoding a mathematical key in commercial software.

Planning, Software, Encryption, Data encryption, Network security software, Product introduction, Security software, Systems and data security software, New Technique, IBM PC (Intel-compatible system), Systems/Data Security Software

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Computer system intruder plucks passwords and avoids detection

Article Abstract:

Government computer security teams are searching for the location of an intruder who has written a program that has entered dozens of computers on the Internet system. The program is stealing electronic documents containing users' passwords and erasing files to conceal itself. The government team would not reveal the exact locations of the break-ins, but it did say no classified military computers have been affected. Officials said that once the program gains access to a computer, it tries to steal a specially coded file containing passwords, and then copies that file to another computer where it can decode the passwords. The passwords are decoded by comparing a list of passwords to a special dictionary, allowing the intruder to access other users' files.

Internet, Internet security, Computer crimes, Computer Crime, Sabotage

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Rogue computer program attacks NASA grid, but causes no harm

Article Abstract:

A computer virus aimed at DEC computers infiltrated NASA's Space Physics Analysis Network (SPAN), causing no damage. The virus - actually a 'worm' - is suspected of being written by someone protesting the space shuttle Atlantis's nuclear cargo. The Department of Defense disconnected military and space systems from SPAN. A NASA spokesman claims the virus is still spreading. The program replicates itself in secret, sends vulgar messages to network users and is programmed to attack about 6,000 DEC computers.

Electronic computers, Space research and technology, Product information, United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Digital Equipment Corp., DEC, Networks, Space Physics Analysis Network (Computer network)

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