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 Microsoft prepares barricades against MyDoom attack
January 31, 2004
Microsoft Corp. told Friday it was working to ward off an MyDoom worm that was set to launch Denial-of-Service (DOS) attack against the software company's Web site on Tuesday.
A DOS attack means the infected computers are set to overload company's web servers with bogus information, in an attempt to prevent access by legitimate users.
"We're definitely doing everything we can to make sure that our customers who need to get to our site are able to do so," said Christopher Budd, Microsoft's security program manager.
Budd refused to provide details on what exact steps the company was taking.
Microsoft is offering $250,000 to any person who helps authorities arrest the creator of MyDoom.B virus currently infecting computers worldwide.
Redmond-based media giant is the second company to offer a reward in connection with the "My Doom" virus. Earlier, SCO Group also offered a $250,000 prize for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the creator of the Mydoom.A version.
MyDoom.B variant contains a cryptic message in which the author appears to make an apology for the malicious code. The creator left the following message in the latter version of its offspring:
"I'm just doing my job, nothing personal, sorry."
On the other hand some security experts doubted the sincerity of the regret. So, many virus creators leave messages in their code to tease investigating authorities and this can be the case.
Both Mydoom versions install a "backdoor" in infected PCs, enabling hackers to commandeer the machines to send spam, launch denial of service attacks or perform other nefarious acts. However using personal firewall software should block MyDoom malicious activity.
MyDoom already became the biggest virus ever, but the worst damage may be yet to come.
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