A youth was sentenced on Friday 11 February to three year's probation by a US district court in connection with a computer worm that attacked Microsoft's website.

According to a report in the Seattle Times, the juvenile was only 14 years old when they released the RPCSDBOT worm (also known as W32/RpcSpybot-A) in August 2003, directing infected Windows computers to launch an attack against Microsoft's main website.

The attack against Microsoft's website occurred at the same time as versions of the widespread Blaster worm were also bombarding Microsoft with internet traffic designed to clog it up and make it unusable. Initially, investigators thought the incidents might be related, but it was found that this was not the case. The youth was arrested in late September 2003.

In court, the defendant said "Seventeen months ago, I made the worst mistake I ever made in my life. I did it out of curiosity and did not think I would cause any damage. I am sorry I created problems for people I did not even know."

Judge Robert Lasnik accepted the juvenile's apology, and sentenced the teenager to three years of probation. They must also undergo mental health counseling and are required to perform 300 hours of community service. Every six months the youth is required to write to the judge describing their community service activities and how they have been affected by the experience.

"Young people need to learn that the internet is not a playground where any behaviour is acceptable," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "Computer-literate teens need to realise that releasing malicious code onto the internet can affect innocent people around the world, and can lead to them ending up in court. Kids who are keen on computers should put their knowledge and enthusiasm into more positive activities."

Prosecutors at the US Attorney's office said that federal law prevents them from releasing more details about the juvenile, including their gender.

In January, the teenager who released the Blaster-B worm onto the internet was sentenced to 18 months in prison by a US court.

Corpex recommends home computer users as well as companies protect their computers with a consolidated solution to thwart virus and spam threats as well as secure their desktop and servers with updated anti-virus and anti-spam protection such as Armour Plate.

Source: Sophos

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