The world’s fastest-spreading computer virus is surging anew today, infecting more businesses and home computers. One Iowa cyber-expert says the “Love Bug” virus, transmitted by e-mail, has mutated into a variety of new forms enabling it to strike many more unsuspecting computer users.Dan Buda, of the Central Iowa Computer Users Group, says the virus which replicates itself will strike perhaps 80-percent of computers in American businesses. Many private Iowa companies and state entities have already been stricken. Buda says this was a cleverly-conceived attack and that’s why it’s spread so quickly across the continents.The first incarnation of the computer virus was carried on an e-mail message where the subject read “I Love You.” Now, it’s changed to many other phrases. Buda says the virus has become all the more infectious since it has “morphed” by altering its appearance and tactics.Buda says the important thing to do in protecting computers is to update the anti-virus programs frequently. Reports say this “love bug” may cost more than one Billion dollars in lost productivity and repairs globally.
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