The SARS Virus is Going High-Tech

A new SARS-related computer virus might become troublesome for computer users. The virus sends itself to random e-mail addresses from users’ address books, and modifies the recipients’ Internet browsers to display WHO’s webpage describing SARS outbreak. Because it spreads via Windows e-mail programs by hiding in messages regarding SARS, the virus does not affect users of other operating systems. Nevertheless, it exploits common psychological reaction to a mounting global health threat by engendering cyberspace’s own strain. – YaleGlobal