STORY:
New Y2K Headache-Hackers

Thousands of computer virus threats have been reported to law enforcement agencies

More than 30,000 threats from computer hackers and millennium virus writers have been logged by the FBI and other law enforcement groups. This could mean an all-new headache for anyone working to fix legitimate Y2K computer problems.

The worldwide research director at the technology-consulting firm Gartner Group, Lou Marcoccio. spoke to a banking convention in Orlando on Tuesday. Marcoccio told the group that most of these threats would not amount to anything, but the few that are released could cause a significant problem.

"If just five or 10 viruses are released at the same time, that would overwhelm the ability of companies that produce the fixes. It could cause substantial productivity losses." Said Marcoccio.

Many of these computer viruses are the work of amateur hackers who are known to one another. The hackers gain status by releasing successful viruses and don’t really care if they are arrested. For most hackers the thrill is in getting your name recognized for your work, whether you are in jail or not.

The Gartner Group has been doing extensive research on the Y2K problems and fears. The Group did tell Reuters that the public anxiety is way ahead of the actual Y2K threat. The Gartner Group expects most computer problems to be minor and many problems will be detected before the New Year even dawns.

The Group also did a survey on preparations for Y2K in American homes. They found 67 percent of all Americans say they plan to buy extra food and water just in case. Most say they will buy a food supply for one week to 18 days.

Source: Reuters

DATE: 11/3/99

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