With microscope and tweezers: the worm from MIT's perspective

ABSTRACT

The actions taken by a group of computer scientists at MIT during the worm invasion represents a study of human response to a crisis. The authors also relate the experiences and reactions of other groups throughout the country, especially in terms of how they interacted with the MIT team.

REFERENCES

• 1: Castro, L., et al. Post mortem of 3 November ARPANET/MILNET attack. National Computer Security Center, Ft. Meade, Md., November 1988.
• 2: Computer whiz puts virus in computers. Boston Herald (Nov. 5, 1988), 1.
• 3: Markoff, J. "Author of computer 'virus' is son of U.S. electronic security expert." New York Times {Nov. 5, 1988), A1.
• 4: Markoff, J. Computer snarl: A "back door" ajar. New York Times (Nov. 7, 1988), B10.
• 5: Markoff, J. U.S. is moving to restrict access to facts about computer virus. New York Times (Nov. 11, 1988), A28.
• 6: Neumann, P.G. ed. Forum of risks to the public in cornputers and related systems. 7, 69. ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy, November 3, 1988.
• 7: Postel, J.B. Simple mail transfer protocol. Request Fo~ Comments NIC/RFC 821. Network Working Group, USC ISI, August 1982.
• 8: Eugene H. Spafford, The internet worm program: an analysis, ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review, v.19 n.1, p.17-57, Jan. 1989 [doi>10.1145/66093.66095]

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.0 General
          Subjects: Security and protection (e.g., firewalls)

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.2 Social Issues
          Subjects: Abuse and crime involving computers**

General Terms:
Design, Security