Federal agents believe they have apprehended the cyber-hacker responsible for unleashing one version of the Blaster worm, which recently has infected many University computers.
Jeffery Lee Parson, an 18-year-old student from Hopkins, Minn., may face up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000 for intentionally causing damage to protected computers, news services reported yesterday.
By order of U.S. Magistrate Susan Nelson, the high school student currently is under house arrest, and may not access the internet. Parson's case will come before the court in Seattle, Wash. later this month where a grand jury will decide if charges should proceed.
The Blaster.B worm is one of several computer infections intended to exploit a flaw in Microsoft Windows software. Since its discovery, Microsoft has offered its users a free downloadable patch from its Website to remove the vulnerability.
Shirley Payne, ITC director of security coordination, said she worries that Parson's arrest will not effectively deter other cyber hackers from the creation of software infections.
"Some people out there see him as a hero," she said. "Which he certainly is not."
Many University students encountered the worm along with a barrage of other computer infections during the first week of classes.
Second-year Nursing student Caitlin Carlock said her computer received the worm less than 15 seconds after she connected to the University network.
"I could check my mail, but I couldn't log on to the internet," she said. "ITC was very helpful."
Second-year College student Matt Herbek relied on the help of his friend to clean his computer after receiving the worm. Herbek said he feels that computer hackers should be more considerate of people.
"It's pretty malicious to be infecting people's computers just for fun," he said. "It's bad taste."
Payne said the numbers of computer infections within the University network are declining.
"People have responded very well," she said. "They've taken steps we've prescribed to clear off their machines."
The Blaster.B worm which Parson distributedalready has infected 7,000 computers nationwide and cost Microsoft between $5 and $10 million, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Also known as "LovSan," the worm leaves a love note addressed to a girl named San on the infected computer.
Federal agents were able to trace Parson through his Web site, to which each infected computer would send a signal. He had registered the Web site in his own name, listing his home address in Hopkins.
The author of the original Blaster worm is still at large, as are the creators of several other viruses.
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