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Thursday, November 01, 2001

By David Radin

Think that most of those computer worms and viruses are unrelated to one-another? Peter Burkhard doesn't. He says Code Red, SirCam, Nimda and other viruses are all part of a carefully devised terrorist plan also related to the recent releases of anthrax and the Sept. 11 attacks. According to Peter, the anthrax and computer attacks are intended to paralyze our society, both economically and psychologically. The airplane attacks were simply the terrorists' way to announce that they've arrived in a big way.

If we examine recent virus attacks, Peter's case is quite credible. They have each attacked a small chink in the armor of Internet and computer security -- first by exposing the chinks, then by using them to deposit threatening bits on our systems, then detonating the bits. Each threat took advantage of openings created or identified by the previous threat. Code Red exposed security holes. Nimda exploited them. "This is not being done by some guy sitting in his attic in Des Moines so he can get his fun and jollies" said Burkhard, a professional advertising/marketing executive. "It has been methodically thought out to cause maximum pain by attacking the little pressure points. You have to be doctoral level in information technology to come up with some of the attacks we've seen. And it can be done either while in this country or anywhere else in the world."

If Burkhard is correct, the terrorists have certainly created economic distress. In addition to myriad industries that have suffered from the Sept. 11 attacks, millions of dollars have been spent plugging computer security holes, correcting problems caused by viruses and worms, and on unproductive work forces that are idle or unproductive while the problems were being addressed. Peter points out further that we're now spending millions of dollars using high-tech weaponry against inexpensive guerrilla militia. Said he: "They've gained a certain economic advantage by getting us to use a $300,000 missile to destroy an $18 tent."

He also points out that before Sept. 11, the federal government had spent more money pursuing Microsoft for its tactics than it spent pursuing terrorists.

		Ask Your Questions Have a question for David Radin? Contact him at his Web site

Q:After installing my Windows XP upgrade, my modem made an outgoing call and kept my line busy for almost an hour. Why?

A: Two things probably happened after you upgraded your system. First, you took part in Windows Activation, a new, somewhat controversial anti-bootlegging technique for Windows. Windows Activation surveys your system to find out what types of hardware are configured. Then it registers the hardware along with your Windows XP registration number. If your configuration changes too much, Windows Activation assumes you have stolen the software (that is, put it onto more than one system). It cripples the system temporarily until it can ascertain that you are using the license legally. It doesn't use the hardware data for any purposes other than making sure you haven't violated the software license agreement.

Your connection time was lengthy because the retail, shrink-wrapped version of Windows XP that initially shipped was not exactly what Microsoft wanted to ship out the door. But it does contain an automated upgrade feature that can update your operating system by downloading patches in the background every time you're online. Microsoft has already put together 50 Megabytes of bug fixes and feature enhancements that are now part of the Windows XP product. Your system automatically got that download for you. I expect the automatic upgrade feature to be quite active, and to help most users. If you don't like it, you can switch it off.