Keep this handy for the next MS Worm. Posted to RISKS 22.53: . [From Pete Lindstrom, Spire Security, petelind@spiresecurity.com]

* Computer Worm Internet*

In the wee hours of , a computer worm spread throughout the Internet. Dubbed because <ridiculous reason that doesn’t explain anything about how it works>, and also known as and , the worm has infected an estimated systems within . Experts are calling this worm the most since .

The worm exploits a hole in that was first identified months ago by

In an attempt to secure the planet, released detailed information about the vulnerability and how to exploit it. They also mentioned how to fix it, but apparently listened. Coincidentally, the worm that exploited this hole was also first identified by . Even more coincidentally, they make a product to protect against . “Actually, it’s not really a , it’s a ,” said <Pete Lindstrom, or some other person seeking publicity>. " A true works by ." The worm’s payload every system by <verb ending in -ing> the . Comparatively speaking, this is much worse than but not as bad as . The computers of were hit the hardest. Current damage is estimated at <dollar figure more than the GNP of two-thirds of the world’s nations>. " This worm has the potential to ," said <Pete Lindstrom, or some other person trying hard to come up with something interesting to say ;-)>. " It just goes to show you that ." Though there is no way to protect against this particular bug, experts recommend trying or , neither of which matter, since nobody will do it anyway.