DATE=5/6/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=COMPUTER VIRUS/PHILIPPINES (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262065
BYLINE=AMY BICKERS
DATELINE=MANILA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Two Manila-based internet service providers
are cooperating with police in an investigation of the
so-called "Love Bug" computer virus. As Amy Bickers
reports from the Philippine capital, experts say the
virus was activated from the Philippines, but they are
unsure if the person responsible is actually in the
country.
TEXT: According to computer experts and officials of
America's Federal Bureau of Investigation, the
originator of what may be the most harmful computer
virus ever has links to the Philippines. The virus
was apparently activated from a computer in the
Philippines, although it is unclear if its creator was
in the country at the time.
However, officials say the culprit left behind some
clues -- e-mail addresses and the name Manila. The e-
mail addresses were in turn linked to two Manila-based
internet service providers, which are now helping
police with their investigation.
According to news reports, F-B-I experts in the United
States traced the electronic link to the Philippines,
and then turned the information over to authorities
here. Police then seized computers believed to have
been used to send the virus into cyberspace.
Authorities in both nations say they were able to
identify the person who started the virus, thanks to
clues within the text of the program. According to
officials in the United States, the suspect had
previously told others about his ability to create the
electronic bugs and infect computers. So far, the
virus has affected millions of computers around the
world. It is believed to be the fastest-moving and
most harmful computer virus ever.
Computer experts continue to struggle with new strains
of the so-called "Love Bug" virus that masquerades as
a love note or other seemingly innocent messages. It
is threatening to cause chaos in computer networks
around the globe ahead of Mother's Day in America and
Europe next week.
This latest virus, like other before it, lures
computer users to open a file. But when they do, they
accidentally contaminate their computers' memory
system and destroy other files. (SIGNED)
NEB/AB/JP
06-May-2000 11:58 AM EDT (06-May-2000 1558 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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