Virus writers undeterred by Microsoft bounty
Antivirus companies say malware writers are undeterred by Microsoft’s $250,000 bounty after discovering another variant of the mass-mailing worm MyDoom over the weekend.
Since the start of 2004, the people responsible for creating MyDoom and Netsky have released on average more than one new variant every week. The latest version includes a message warning antivirus researchers to expect more of the same.
According to Finnish antivirus firm F-Secure, the latest worm’s code included the following text: "we will work with MyDoom, P2P worms and exploit codes… we will attack F-Secure, Symantec, Trend Micro, Mcafee etc".
Mikko Hypponen, director of antivirus research at F-Secure said he is surprised that the group is still creating new variants when they know that Microsoft has offered a large reward if they are captured.
"It's pretty astonishing these guys just keep pumping out new variants when they know several people are actively trying to find out who they are - to collect the $250,000 bounty offered for their head," said Hypponen.
John Donovan, managing director of Symantec in Australia, said it is likely the group is based in a country without any specific anti-malware laws so even if they are caught they are unlikely to face prosecution.
