The FBI finally arrests the person who started E-mail computer virus Melissa
the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( fbi ), arrested David L Smith, a New Jersey resident, responsible for developing the e -mail computer virus Melissa. Smith was held after the state police and the fbi conducted a joint investigation and traced him through his America Online account.
Melissa has caused worldwide chaos in the computer world. It targets the users of Microsoft Word 97 and Word 2000. When the recipient of the mail containing the virus opens the message, it replicates itself sending messages to the first 50 people in the recipient's address list. It appears to be a very important message and once opened, creates havoc. It can corrupt the mail files, disable the e -mail system or swamp an e -mail server.
However, what is more dangerous now are the variants of Melissa and its copies. The variants are difficult to detect for an ordinary user as they are without any distinctive identification signs. The new Melissa mutant is called w97m_melissa.a.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.