Despite the ramifications of a virus like I LOVE YOU, there's very little legal recourse. The legislation dates back to the Computer Abuse Act of 1984, which covers unauthorized access to computer systems. So you can sue a web browser for leaving cookies on your hard drive, but punishment doesn't amount to much more than a slap on the wrist. The alleged author of I LOVE YOU, Onel A. de Guzman of the Philippines, only says he may have accidentally released the virus. Most experts say that legislation won't stop hackers anyway.
Industries have to commit to tightening security.
But security is only as good as the next hacker. Already a new virus originating in Spain, Timofonica, has threatened cell phones and hand-held devices like the Palm Pilot. Any wireless connection has the potential of bringing an infection to the device via downloads. E-mail our editor . Inc. All rights reserved.