THE ‘MELISSA VIRUS’
WHEN: MARCH 1999 WHERE: NEW JERSEY, USA
Two decades ago, the concept of computer viruses was still quite new to many. But one event changed that significantly. It all started in late March 1999 when a man named David Lee Smith took over an America Online (AOL) account and began sending a mass-mailing macro virus. Later named the ‘Melissa Virus', it was distributed as an email attachment that, when opened, disabled several safeguards in Word 97 and Word 2000.
This virus caused havoc on March 26. The emails had enticing titles, tricking even more people into opening the virus. It wasn't aimed at stealing money or information, but it still paralysed business operations. Over 300 companies and government bodies were affected, with email systems crashing and the web slowing down. The cleanup cost about $80 million.
Catching Smith didn't take long. With help from AOL and tight cooperation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and New Jersey law enforcement, they apprehended him in early April 1999. He admitted to his crimes and was sentenced to 20 months in jail with a $5,000 (Dhs18,350) fine in May 2002.
The Melissa Virus was a major wake-up call about the dangers lurking online. It demonstrated how easily viruses could spread and the extent of damage they could cause.
Following this, the FBI realised the need to enhance its approach to dealing with online threats. Not long after Smith's sentencing, they established a new Cyber Division, focused on combating cybercrime. Twenty years on, with our lives even more intertwined with the internet, this mission is more crucial than ever.