FBI seeks public’s help to track down virus
08/26/03
By Wilson P. Dizard III,
GCN Staff

The FBI today urged Internet users to protect themselves against the SoBig and MSBlaster viruses and asked for help from the public in tracking down their creators.

“Protecting the nation’s cyber infrastructure is a top priority for the FBI, and we are working with the Department of Homeland Security and with state and local law enforcement on our Cyber Task Force to track down the perpetrators of SoBig and the recent W32/Blaster worm,” FBI director Robert S. Mueller III said. “We employ the latest technology and code analysis to direct us to potential sources, and I am confident that we will find the culprits.”

The FBI urged computer users who connect to the Internet to update their antivirus software and install appropriate patches. “Computer users should also exercise caution in opening any e-mails or attachments from unknown persons or companies,” the bureau said in a prepared statement. Users with a computer already affected by malicious code should contact their Internet service provider for assistance, the bureau said.

“Anyone with information about the origins of SoBig, W32/Blaster or other malicious code should contact their local FBI office,” said Jana Monroe, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division.


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