FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER

Detailed explanation-1: -The Melissa virus, reportedly named by Smith for a stripper in Florida, started by taking over victims’ Microsoft Word program. It then used a macro to hijack their Microsoft Outlook email system and send messages to the first 50 addresses in their mailing lists.

Detailed explanation-2: -Impact. The virus slowed down email systems due to overloading Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange servers with emails. Major organizations impacted included Microsoft, Intel Corp, and the United States Marine Corps.

Detailed explanation-3: -Melissa is a “macro virus” that can affect users of Microsoft’s Word 97 or Word 2000. Macro viruses are computer viruses that use an application’s own macro programming language to reproduce themselves. Macro viruses can inflict damage to the document or to other computer software.

Detailed explanation-4: -After the virus’s spread, the FBI sent out warnings about Melissa and information about its effects, helping to reduce the impact of the virus. A collaborative effort among the FBI, New Jersey law enforcement and a representative of AOL was able to track down Smith. Smith was arrested on April 1, 1999.

Detailed explanation-5: -Protecting Yourself from Phishing Attacks Microsoft Word documents are sent, received, and opened by millions of users every day-which makes them the perfect vehicle for spreading malware.